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the U.S. and from Canada also. Our office hours are from
8:00 am to 5:00 pm Central Time
1-866-JOY-8486
We will be happy to take an order or answer
any questions you may have about our
"God Is For Every Day" stories and songs.
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I’m what you might call a visual learner. So when I read the Bible I often ‘look’ at how Jesus lived just as much as I listen to what He said. In Jesus’ birth I ‘see’ that he was born in a stable, a place which His parents borrowed for the night. And in His death I ‘see’ that He was buried in a borrowed tomb. In this He tells me that I won’t find myself and I won’t find Him in the material places of this life. We can allow our addiction to material things such as owning a home or a car or yes, even a church to stand in the way of finding Him.
It is ironic that the time of year which Jesus teaches us simplicity in His birth, we all struggle with the desire to make our children happy by giving them lots of gifts. On my desk I keep a picture of my nephew, niece and daughter each opening a present on the couch at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. They are all smiling and laughing, maybe because Grandpa or Grandma is kidding them about what might be in the packages. The gift for them is in the togetherness of the moment. The gift to them comes before the presents are even opened.
Kids are often visual learners, too. When they see where our focus is, they will learn to focus on the same. If our focus is on gifts, or on everything having to be perfect, or on trying to do 10 million things before Christmas Eve, they will see that. If we make Christ the center of our attention, with a devotional time, or an Advent Calendar, or a new Christmas song, or an extra hour of playtime just with them, they will see that instead.
Our prayer for you here at JoySoul, is that you will find refuge in Jesus this Christmas, and experience the simple gifts that He so graciously makes available to us all.
It is ironic that the time of year which Jesus teaches us simplicity in His birth, we all struggle with the desire to make our children happy by giving them lots of gifts. On my desk I keep a picture of my nephew, niece and daughter each opening a present on the couch at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. They are all smiling and laughing, maybe because Grandpa or Grandma is kidding them about what might be in the packages. The gift for them is in the togetherness of the moment. The gift to them comes before the presents are even opened.
Kids are often visual learners, too. When they see where our focus is, they will learn to focus on the same. If our focus is on gifts, or on everything having to be perfect, or on trying to do 10 million things before Christmas Eve, they will see that. If we make Christ the center of our attention, with a devotional time, or an Advent Calendar, or a new Christmas song, or an extra hour of playtime just with them, they will see that instead.
Our prayer for you here at JoySoul, is that you will find refuge in Jesus this Christmas, and experience the simple gifts that He so graciously makes available to us all.
After spending time in isolation with their 6th child, Becca, the Yurceks drove home.
The house was dark, because there was no money left for lights, groceries, and least of all Christmas presents.
On their front porch they found more than a dozen trash bags of goodies. They then found that their electric bill and car insurance for that month had also been paid by an anonymous donor.
The Yurceks have never forgotten the wonder of those special gifts. In the book, "Tiny Titan" you will read a moving story about the Yurcek family's miracle Christmas and how it completely transformed their lives and the lives of all those that they have touched since. "I would go through it all over again because I like who we've become and we're better for it," said Ann Yurcek. For a wholesome book to put the holidays into perspective for your family, take a look at the free Christmas chapter. Consider reading it together with your family, and think of ideas to transform someone life. You'd be surprised at how little it takes to change someone's world.
The house was dark, because there was no money left for lights, groceries, and least of all Christmas presents.
On their front porch they found more than a dozen trash bags of goodies. They then found that their electric bill and car insurance for that month had also been paid by an anonymous donor.
The Yurceks have never forgotten the wonder of those special gifts. In the book, "Tiny Titan" you will read a moving story about the Yurcek family's miracle Christmas and how it completely transformed their lives and the lives of all those that they have touched since. "I would go through it all over again because I like who we've become and we're better for it," said Ann Yurcek. For a wholesome book to put the holidays into perspective for your family, take a look at the free Christmas chapter. Consider reading it together with your family, and think of ideas to transform someone life. You'd be surprised at how little it takes to change someone's world.
On Christmas Eve, the family drove to the hospital to be with Baby Becca. If they didn't have "things," at least they would have each other on Christmas.
Not too long ago I set about to learn a song called "Simple Gifts." As I listened to the music, I was
The Best Gifts Devotional
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