Forgotten Christmas

Dear readers, I hope you are all having a wonderful Christmas time and break off of school! I sure am! Anyways, I was looking back at the comments I received from a recent post, and came across one I had forgotten about. Cari, someone who works with Gospel for Asia, left a comment telling me about a site they made - Forgotten Christmas. I encourage you to go to their website and look around, it is definitely worth the time! I know it is after Christmas, and I'm sorry I didn't post this weeks ago, but you can still make a difference! Hop over there and check it out!

Here is one of the videos:

Love in Christ,

Buttercup

P.s. the December issue of Go Ye Therefore is coming out on Friday! Shoot us an email if you want to receive it! :) (helpnm@embarqmail.com)

Absolutely Nothing Compares...

No doubt you've heard this story...

This 2000 year old tale...

Of the birth of a little baby...

That was the Son of God.

How precious was this gift...
So undeservedly given...
That would change the course of the future...
For all that would believe.
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2000 years ago, in the country of Israel, in the town of Bethlehem, a child was born. His parents could not find an inn that was not already full, but they were offered a stable that they could stay in. This stable, because of the time and place, was probably a cave or large outcropping in the rock, and it was used to house animals. In this place, on that night, Jesus was born. Our Lord came into the world. If you met him, you would soon know that he was no ordinary child. He was different - he was perfect; he never lied, he never cheated, he never teased, he never disobeyed, he never sinned at all. This was weird and very unusually to those he came in contact with who did not know who he was, for they knew that everyone sins, and no one is perfect, but God.
This special and unique child who never sinned, this perfect human being, was the Son of God. God sent Him down to earth for a reason, to complete His plan, to fulfill His mission. This plan was also special, it involved a one time occurrence that would save the souls of all who would believe.
2000 years ago, this perfect child, now become a man, took upon Himself the sins of the world. 2 Corinthians 5:21 - "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." This amazing man, the Son of God died a horrific death so that you and I could live. Gives new meaning to "amazing love, how can it be? that you my King should die for me!" doesn't it?
But that is not the end of the story! This amazing story does not end with the cross, or even the grave, for He rose again! And He is alive today, sitting at the right hand of God the Father in heaven, intervening on our behalf. He was born for us. He lived for us. He died for us. He rose again for us. Why? Because He loves us, His most special creation.
Jesus lived the life I could not live. Jesus died the death I should have died.Jesus gives the gift I could never earn.-Mark Driscoll
I know I that this is a Christmas post, and that I went far beyond just the Christmas story; but how can you end with His birth? For that miraculous occurrence was only the beginning! His birth alone is a wonderful thing - God sent His one and only Son down to a sin-filled world! But, why? To know that we must know the whole story! When put together - His birth, life, death, and resurrection - they paint an amazing picture, the picture of God saving His people. This Christmas, I challenge you to think more of Christ and His Gift more than of the perishable gifts that you will be given by friends and family. For absolutely nothing compares with this wonderful gift that was offered to us! This amazing gift, so freely offered - will you believe? Merry Christmas!Buttercup

Your Example Counts!

No matter who you are, no matter what you do, no matter what you say, someone is watching you. You may not know who, you may not know when, you may not know why, but there is at least one someone watching you.

Your example counts.

In the case of us as teens, we are very often looked up to by younger kids, they watch us, and no matter what you think of yourself, they want to be like you. They want to dress like you, talk like you, act like you, and do everything that you do. And not only are we looked up to by younger kids, but by peers as well.

For example, think of a popular girl. Someone who most everyone knows about. Do you know how many kids, and even teens, want to be like her? Don't you see how she has made herself a standard of "coolness"? The world thinks she is just about the coolest girl on the planet, so what happens? Basically everyone wants to be the coolest girl on the planet, right? So people begin to copy her, they begin to try to be like her: talk like her, dress like her, act like her...etc.

What do you think now? Are your standards for yourself the same as the standards that you place before others? In others words, do you practice what you preach? For example, do you look down on cussing, and then go out and do it yourself? Or, do you say that wearing sleeveless tops is immodest, and then you go and wear them yourself?

Examine yourself. Is what you wear what you want those around you to wear? Is what you say what you want those around you to say? Is what you do what you want those around you to do?

You are being watched. Your example counts. When you get that through your head, you act differently, you talk differently, you dress differently, you change.

-Buttercup

The Extra Challenge!

Hey Y'all! Remember how I said that on the 20th I would post an extra challenge? Well, I'm actually doing it! lol. Kinda creepy, since that never happens. "Aren't you proud of me?!" ("Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs")

So, The Extra Challenge is...

Matthew 6:3-4 - ³But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: ⁴That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

Do actions of thoughtfulness *in secret*. Not only does God enjoy seeing us do things in secret, but they are also really fun. *hehe* Therefore, I would like to challenge you to do some "fall actions of thoughtfulness" in secret! Here are some ideas:

-Leave anonymous notes.

-Slip a note of appreciation in someones mail folder at church (our church does the mail folder thing, but I don't know about others)

-Leave a little gift (i.e. chocolate, candy) in someones chair or desk.

-Leave cookies with an anonymous note in random places (obviously where it's legal and where people are gonna find them soon)

-Send anonymous emails (you know how much fun these are?! Most of the time I get found out though, cause I'm not that good at hiding my name and email address.)

Also, here are some other ideas for not-so-secret actions:

-Buy an extra sandwich and give it to someone who needs it.

-Send a friendship e-card.

-Buy a drink for a grocery store worker.

-Clean a room without being asked.

-Smile (you know how many people don't smile these days? This is one way we can show the world that we are different. And sometimes, someone needs a smile.)

-Make and give baby blankets to a pregnancy center.

-Donate clothing and shoes to a resale shop.

-Give stuffed animals to a fire station.

-Give bottled water to nurses at a hospital or rest home.

-Bring a gift, or just even visit, a rest home resident. Some of them never get any visitors, and they get so lonely.

-Bring your neighbor's trash cans in on trash day.

-Leave a note and treat for the mailman in the mailbox.

There are literally hundreds of things you could do! So what are you waiting for?

In Christ alone,

Buttercup

*note: some of these ideas were not originally mine.

The Story of Jonah

This little girl tells the entire story of Jonah, and it is so cute! lol. You'll see. :)

The story of Jonah from Corinth Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Wasn't that adorable?! Also, tomorrow we are having another garage sale fundraiser for a well. (For more info click here) So please be praying that we raise a lot of money, and that we will be Christ-like examples for those we come in contact with! Thanks!

In Christ,

Buttercup

P.S. don't forget! The extra challenge for the Fall Actions of Thoughtfulness challenge is coming tomorrow! So get ready!

Fall Actions of Thoughtfulness challenge - what I've done

Hey Guys! I really hope that you have participated in this challenge, no one has told me so, but I can still hope, right? :D

Anyways, I know this post is LONG overdue, and I apologize, but better late then never!

First, for the past couple weeks, I've been making Thanksgiving cards for some of my friends. I've been making them out of colored construction paper that I got at the dollar store (it is really good construction paper though), a glue stick, scissors, and a pen! Easy cheesy, but I think they turned out good. :)

I traced a slightly real looking, plastic leaf, then just kept tracing the leaves I cut out. Needless to say, the leaves got quite a bit bigger as time went on. lol. So they kinda hang over the edges of the cards, but I think that's cool. I think I made a total of about 20 cards before I ran out of construction paper. Well, all I have left are black, blue, pink, and purple! haha.

In the inside on the left I wrote out 1 Thessalonians 5:18a - In everything give thanks. And on the right side I wrote a note to the receiver. Though, only a couple (uh, one or two?) have personal notes, the rest are all the same (because I'm not creative like that). Nonetheless, it's the thought that counts, right? And I worked hard on 'em. :)

Second...aw man. I just went totally blank. I know I did other things, and I was thinking of all of them when I was thinking about this post! Ahh! I hate that. Well, when I remember, I'll post.

So what have you been doing? I hope you've taken this challenge with me, I really do. It's a great time to remember to think about others first - and do things for others before you do things for yourself.

Lastly, I want to encourage you to read these two posts: by Anna and by Chelsea, they are really great!

Till I remember what I did or I think of a good post!

In Christ,

Buttercup

To our Veterans...

Dear Veterans,

I don't know what you've gone through, I don't know where you went, I don't know much about you at all, but I do know this: you fought for the USA and for me, so we could be free. Thank you.

Love in Christ,

Buttercup

It's Fall and time for a challenge!

Hi Y'all! Well, all day it's been quite chilly, rainy, and windy! As long as I am indoors, and not out, this is my favorite weather! If I'm outside...just stop the rain. :)

Well, seeing that it is now fall, and the month of November, we are getting quite close to Christmas! Dangerously close for those of us who like to make all our gifts! Anyways, in honor of fall, I am going to propose a challenge!

The Challenge

Fall Actions of Thoughtfulness

It sounded kind of weird to me, but not so much that I would try to find another name. The idea is not mine, but another blogger's. But they named theirs "Random Acts of Kindness." So, to be honest, I just typed that into Microsoft word, right clicked each word, found a synonym that I liked, and went with it! lol. (Just in case you thought I've lost it... no, "fall" is not a synonym of "random". But all the synonyms for "random" were bad - not the "random" that I'm trying to get across.)

So that I don't leave anything out, let's get organized with the classic 5W's and an H:

Who: Anyone who wants to.

What: Fall Actions of Thoughtfulness

Where: Everywhere! You figure out what your going to do, and then go do it for someone.

When: From now until November 30th. Making it a month-long thing, I think, will give all of us plenty of time to do many different things! No time excuses.

Why: To do things for others and to bring glory to God by thinking of others instead of ourselves.

How: is this necessary???

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Fall/Thanksgiving cards. Who doesn't like receiving a card or note from a friend? It is a simple thing that says that someone took time to think of you.

• Small gifts. I.e. crocheted scarf, earrings, photo of you and them, etc.

• Take on someone else's chores or do a service for free.

These are just a few ideas, but there are so many things you can do! Get creative!

This challenge is open to anyone, and it will be a challenge. Doing things for others, taking time to do something for someone else and not for ourselves can be hard, but it is awesome when you can lift someone up and make their day; and at the same time, be a shining light in a dark world.

Please, don't shy away from this challenge! Do it with me! I'll be posting what I do so that y'all can hopefully get some ideas and encouragement from it, so I would like you to post too! When you do, please share it with me and my other readers:

When you do put it in here, please put the link to the exact post, and not just your blog - because that makes it hard to find your post sometimes.

In Christ,

Buttercup

P.S. On the 20th, I'll propose a special, extra challenge! So be sure to look out for it!

Announcement and Concert Pics!

Hey Y'all! Hope you are all having a fantastic Sunday! Just wanted to let y'all know that the October issue of the free, online Mission Minded Teens magazine, Go Ye Therefore, is coming out today! This is our 7th issue! And let me tell y'all this, there is an awesome guest article in this one so you won't want to miss out! Email us at helpnm@embarqmail.com to subscribe.

For those of you who are new to reading my blog and haven't heard of Mission Minded Teens or Go Ye Therefore: the purpose of Go Ye Therefore is to equip teens with information and inspire and challenge them to get involved with missions and making a difference in this world, therefore our online magazine is free. All you have to do is send us your email address so we can get it to you! Simple it is, yes? (sorry, couldn't resist)

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Last night, I got to go to my second concert! And it ROCKED!!! It was MercyMe with Phil Wickham! (I didn't know who he was 'til last night either, so don't feel bad. He's a new singer as far as I know.) The theme was The Generous Mr. Lovewell, their new CD! And if you haven't gotten that one yet, do it! I rocks, y'all! There are so many great songs on there! Anyways, here's some pics from last night.

I had to zoom in a lot, so I was super happy today when I uploaded them to the computer and a few of them turned out okay! lol. Also, since this was my first big concert...were the screen things new or has that been around for a while? Cause man, that was pretty cool! lol.

The only weird thing was that they didn't sing their title song. Oh, well. They sang my favorite one though! So-Long Self!!! oh yeah!

Well, I tried to upload the two videos that I took, but it's took forever for the first one, and then I tried to play it and make sure it worked, and "an error occurred." oh, joy. Sorry y'all.

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Thanks for taking Poppy and I, Mom and Dad! We LOVED it!!! I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!

-Buttercup

A Butterfly

Hey y'all! Earlier today I found this butterfly outside. And as a lot of you know, I LOVE butterflies! And it was staying so still! So I crept up, laid down on the ground, slowly brought my camera closer to it, thinking it's going to fly away at any moment (Wonder how many times I've done this? Don't ask.), just trying to get one picture...and what happens? He doesn't move.

I take a few pictures, very excited that the butterfly is actually staying still, but then I wonder...why is it not moving? hmm? I tap the ground, hoping to scare it away so that I can know that the poor thing is not dead, and it jumps and rolls over! Okay, I know it sounds weird, like, maybe kind of like a dog...but not that kind of rolling, it like, fell over. After that, it got back up, and just stood there. Looking at it for a while, I saw that one of it's wings was torn, pretty badly too. Poor thing, probably got attacked by a bird but heroically escaped with it's life!

Okay, maybe not. But still, it was obviously hurt, and wasn't going to be moving anytime soon. I don't even know if it could fly. But anyways, since it wasn't going to move, and I don't know how to help butterflies even if there is anything you can do for them, I took pictures of it. And man, I got some cool ones! Here are some (most possibly??? hehe)...

*He was on the green thing first, then when I scared him, he fell off (only about an inch at the most) onto the concrete. Sorry little guy!*

A few hours later, it was still there, so I brought it some sugar water on a plate. I don't know if butterflies would even drink it, or if this one has, but its still out there, and I'll check it in the morning.

In Christ,

Buttercup

P.S. yeah, I know its a lot of pictures...I just couldn't decide which ones to post, so I just posted most of them. :P

Standing up for what is right

Standing up for what is right can be difficult. And it usually is. Especially when it is around people you know - friends and family.

It takes courage, and a love for God that is so deep that it overpowers your love for friends and family and what they think of you. When you take a stand, when you do what is right, you could lose friends, but through Christ we (as believers) can do anything because He gives us strength. (Philippians 4:13)

Last night I had to take a stand. I had to stand up for what was right. And I had to do it among friends. They were talking about inappropriate stuff, things that I believe are best kept unsaid and unthought. It was hard to take a stand, but after staying silent for a long time, I felt the power of God rush through me and I knew I could keep quiet no longer. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, I started telling them that what they were talking about was inappropriate and wrong, and I started quoting Scripture to them. To be completely honest, I didn't plan much of anything I said, nor did I think about what I was saying, it just flowed out and it all made sense.

That was a cool feeling. It was the first time I felt that, and I pray that I feel it again - multiple more times. It was neat, y'all. It really was.

Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to go through that situation and for helping me through it, and putting into my mind your Word and putting into my mouth the words to say. Praise God!

In Christ,

Buttercup

You are...

You are Lord of Creation

And Lord of my life

Lord of the land and the sea

You were Lord of the heavens before there was time

And Lord of all Lords you will be!

We bow down

And we worship you Lord

We bow down

And we worship you Lord

We bow down

And we worship you Lord

Lord of all Lords you will be!

You are King of Creation

And King of my life

King of the land and the sea

You were King of the heavens before there was time

And King of all Kings you will be!

We bow down

And we crown you the King

We bow down

And we crown you the King

We bow down

And we crown you the King

King of all Kings you will be!

I have always loved this song. It simply tells that, God, you are Lord of my life; God, you are King of my life. You are in control. You are not only Lord and King of my life, but also of the entire universe, and you never began to be Lord and King - you always have been and always will be. You are the great Creator and God of all.

God is so great,

so big,

so beautiful,

so majestic,

so awesome,

and SO much more!

Buttercup

I've been tagged! Twice!

NOTE: okay, the text color keeps messing up for some odd reason. Hopefully it won't once I post this, but it might. sorry!

Okay ladies and gentlemen...this first tag comes from Anna @ Sisters in the Savior! Thanks, girl!

1) If you were stranded on an island and you could only order take out once, what restaurant would you order from?

Giovanni's! Gotta love that Italian food! Yum!

2) If you had a backstage pass to meet any band/singer in the world, who it be?

ouch. That's a hard one. Probably Kutless or Mercy Me. :)

3) What was your favorite TV show when you were three?

Honestly, how am I going to remember that? lol. I don't know...what was was on when I was three?

4) Pick a song that describes you or the situation you're in as of right now.

You're all I need - Bethany Dillon *Love this song!* Actually, I love it so much I'm going to post the lyrics...

When the day is done
And there's no one else around
While I'm lying here in bed
You're in my heart, You're in my head

You're all I need, You're all I need
There are a million voices
Calling out my name
But You're the One I want to hear
So make the others disappear

You are all I need when I'm surrounded
You are all I need if I'm by myself
You fill me when I'm empty
There is nothing else
You're all I need

When the morning comes
And Your mercy is renewed
There's a fire in my bones
I'm not afraid to go alone
You're all I need
You're all I need
The sun on my face
I hear You whisper loud
You're still the God that opens seas
Every flower, even me
You're all I need
You're all I need

I'm drawn to everything that You do
Nothing compares with You

[http://www.christianlyricsonline.com/artists/bethany-dillon/all-i-need.html]

5) Post a picture of your favorite shoes:)

6) If you could create a new word to put in the dictionary, what would it be?

Cytoplasmic Reticulum! Long story...

7) Are you a rush, rush, rush kinda person, or do you stop and smell the roses?

Depends on how much I have to get done. But I do enjoy stopping and smelling the roses. :)

8) When you meet Jesus, what's the first thing you want to do?

Bow down at His feet and thank Him!

Now, I'm going to post my eight questions for you to do!

1) Are you a "talk on the phone" person or an email/texting kind of person?

2) Post the lyrics to your favorite song.

3) If you could re-live any day in your entire life, what would it be?

4) If you were the ruler of a desert island what would you do to get people to come live there?

5) What is your favorite book of the Bible?

6) Where is your favorite place to be in the entire world?

7) If you could do anything you wanted for one whole day, what would it be?

8) What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?

And for this one, I tag...whoever wants to! :)

And the second tag comes from Emily @ Ramblings of Emily Rose! Thanks!

I know, I'm horrible. She tagged me, like, in August, and I completely forgot about it! Sorry, Emily!!!

Here we go!

Here's the rules:

1. Write down the following, snap a picture (or scan the document), post it, and tag others.

2. Name/Blog name

3. right handed, left handed or both

4. Favorite letters to write

5. least favorite letters to write

6. Write: the quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.

7. Write in caps: CRAB HUMOR KALEIDOSCOPE PAJAMAS GAZILLION

8. Favorite song lyrics

9. Tag 7 people

10. Any special note or drawing

Later!

Buttercup

Strong Tower - Kutless

Hey Y'all! I just found this AWESOME song by Kutless on YouTube and I had to share it! Unfortunately, on YouTube they have the embed thingie disabled for this song. Oh well, I'll just go try Tangle...lol.

When I wander through the desert

And I'm longing for my home

All my dreams have gone astray

When I'm stranded in the valley

And I'm tired and all alone

It seems like I've lost my way

I go running to your mountain

Where you mercy sets me free

You are my strong tower

Shelter over me

Beautiful and mighty

Everlasting King

You are my strong tower

Fortress when I'm weak

Your name is true and holy

And Your face is all I see

In the middle of my darkness

In the midst of all my fear

You're refuge and my hope

When the storm of life is raging

And the thunders all I hear

You speak softly to my soul

Now I'm running to your mountain

Where you mercy sets me free

You are my strong tower

Shelter over me

Beautiful and mighty

Everlasting King

You are my strong tower

Fortress when I'm weak

Your name is true and holy

And Your face is all I see

(And Your face is all I see)

Yeah... Your face is all I see

I go running to your mountain

Where you mercy sets me free

You are my strong tower

Shelter over me

Beautiful and mighty

Everlasting king

You are my strong tower

Fortress when I'm weak

Your name is true and holy

(Your name is true and holy)

You are my strong tower

Shelter over me

Beautiful and mighty

Everlasting king

You are my strong tower

Fortress when I'm weak

Your name is true and holy

And your face is all I see

[ From: http://www.metrolyrics.com/strong-tower-lyrics-kutless.html ]

And...because I just found this one too...and it rocks also...lol. I have always loved this song!

I hope y'all like these as much as I did!

Until next time!

Buttercup