Fantabulous Fridays Suspended...

Okay - for the next four Fridays I will be posting about the Sundays of Advent. Fantabulous Fridays will return after the first of the year :)

December 2, 2007
The First Sunday ofAdvent

Today we light the first candle of Advent - the candle of HOPE.

"As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul after you, O God." Psalm 42:1

Longing for God's presence in our lives, we rush through the Christmas season, intent on fulfilling the desires and wishes of our families and friends, when focus should be on getting ready to receive Jesus - the Hope of the World!

O come to my heart, Lord Jesus: there is room in my heart for Thee!

What is Advent???

The word 'advent' is Latin for 'a coming or arrival'. The Christian season of Advent is a season of preparation. For the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, we thank God for Christ's first coming and prepare for His second coming! For more on the history of advent and all of the "technical" aspects you should check out www.cresourcei.org/cyadvent.html

So, now you're all wondering about the wreath -right? You know, the one I posted a picture of earlier... The Advent Wreat is the most widely recognized symbol of Advent. I'm sure you have all seen the sets of purple and pink candles during the Christmas season. But just so you'll know, I'm going to tell you all about it!

The wreath is made of a circle of evergreen branches laid flat to symbolize eternal life. Four candles (traditionally 3 purple, 1 pink) stand around the circle, each representing one if the four Sundays of Advent. In the center is a fifth candle (traditionally white), the Christ Candle which is lit on Christmas Day.

Advent worship in our home can be likened to a journey through the Christmas Story, each candle symbolizing a theme or part of the Christmas Story. The first Sunday of Advent (12/2/07) a purple candle representing HOPE (or Prophecy) is lit. On the second Sunday of Advent (12/9/07) the first candle is re-lit and the second purple candle representing PEACE (or Bethlehem) is lit. On the third Sunday of Advent (12/16/07) the first two candles are re-lit and the third candle - the pink one - representing JOY (or Shepherds) is lit. Then on the fourth Sunday of Advent (12/23/07) the first three candles are lit and the last purple candle representing LOVE (or Angels) is lit. All four outer candles are now lit! On Christmas Day the four outer candles are lit and finally the white Christ candle can be lit representing the Birth of the Savior!

So there you have it! I will be posting in the future about the individual Sundays of Advent so be sure to check back often!

CHRISTmas - Notice the emphasis!

I've been thinking about Christmas a lot over the last 2 years. Yes, I said 2 years, not 2 weeks. Our world has completely commercialized the holiday season. For example, we are overly worried about the sales on Black Friday, concerned with the "Christmas Tree" vs. the "Holiday Tree", etc. etc. But what is Christmas really about? For me it is about one thing and one thing only - the birth of my Savior.

Now, I am not going to lie and say that I don't get caught up in the "Christmas Spirit" when it comes to decorating, baking, shopping and caroling - because I do! However, I am trying to be very aware of that lately. I want to celebrate the right way - not the politically correct way, not the way my family has done it for years necessarily, and not the way that others think I should. I want to treasure each day leading up to Christmas. I want to feel the joy that the Shepherds and Angels felt on that Christmas night so long ago. I want to lay my gifts at the Savior's feet and there myself lay also!

It is all too easy to fill up on all of the "Holiday Stuffing" like shopping and gift swapping, baking and partying, and all the while feeling empty as the new year rolls in. All of these things of course can be wonderful and a blessing to myself and/or others, but not if I delight in them more than I delight in HIM! John Piper explains it best when he says, "If you don’t feel strong desires for the manifestation for the glory of God, it is not because you have drunk deeply and are satisfied. It is because you have nibbled so long at the table of the world. Your soul is stuffed with small things, and there is no room for the great.” The miracle of Christmas is GREAT and I want there to be plenty of room for it in my celebrations.

With all that said, I want to introduce to you one of my solutions for keeping Christmas all about the CHRIST! It is an Advent Wreath. I began this adventure last year with our church and this year will be focusing on my home more. I am posting a picture of my Advent Wreath here for you to see and I will be writing on the subject throughout the weeks to come! This is a very simple, yet exciting way for anyone to get to the heart of Christmas. So stay tuned to hear all about the season of Advent and my new Christmas traditions!

This is the beginning of my Advent celebration. The wreath has since been moved to another spot and surrounded by a Nativity Scene. For pictures and to find out what Advent is - you must come back tomorrow! See you then...

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!

Two posts in one day! I know you are amazed :) Just thought I'd post a few picks from around the house.... it's slowly beginning to look like Christmas at the Bradberrys'. The tree is up and yes, it's real! We have a beautifil Blue Spruce and it hurts like everything! Why we have to pick the painful trees I just don't know! But it's beautiful and in the words of Clark Griwsold, "Little full, lot of sap!" However, it's totally worth it for that special Christmas scent that greets you at the door.

An OCC Weekend!

Hello blogger world! I know you have all been anxiously awaiting my next post - so here it is! There is much to post about so strap on your seat belts for a long ride.

This past weekend we had the great priviledge to volunteer for Operation Christmas Child at their Atlanta Distribution Center. Our main job for the day was inspecting the shoeboxes. We are fortunate to know that the boxes from the Atlanta center are shipped to India via the Port of Charleston. So, we were able to remove items that may be offensive or sacred to that particular country, such as snakes, Harry Potter and Pokemon. Then we would place in filler items to make up for those taken out. It is such a blessing to be a part of this ministry. Thank you to all of you who made shoeboxes this year and for those of you who missed out - there's always next year! Above are just a few pictures from the weekend - Enjoy!

Happy Turkey Day (early) Everybody!!! I just wanted to tell you all that I have much to be thankful for.... a wonderful mother, brother and grandparents.... great family and friends.... and the best husband in the entire universe! Yes, the entire universe. My sweet husbdand sent me these gorgeous flowers yesterday for no reason other than "Just because I am thankful for you" says Jon and the card that accompanied the flowers! Now, you readers, like my mother and friends are all asking yourselves, "What did he do?" "Are they fighting?" Well shame on you! Okay, not shame on you, but you really shouldn't worry. We love each other - I do little things for him and give him little happys all the time... He spoils me by merely putting up with me all the time and surprising me greatly at random! I love this man! We have a great marriage, completely void of fighting and bitterness, only full of love and respect. I have come to realize that we are somewhat of a minority these days. Most people think marriage is all give and give and the other person takes everything away. They think that they are still two single people with their own lives and just happen to be "legally" married. It is truly sad that marriage is failing in America. I am extremely blessed to have a godly husband who puts Christ first in all things and me second - the way that it should be. And I have no problem submitting myself to him and the marriage that God intended for us!

Okay, let me get off my soapbox and just say again that I am so thankful for my hubby! And of course for the rest of the family - after all, y'all have had to put up with me a lot longer than him:) Hope you all have a very thankful, Turkey Day! Love you!

For my Momma... no snakes in these!

How about one of these?

Pray for my new Island Friends...

Special bulletin: Please take a moment and pray for some new friends of mine. For their safety, I cannot publish their names or their pictures. I can ask you to join me in prayer though. This week I have the priviledge of meeting and spending time with four very gracious ministers from another country which I will simply refer to as "The Island". The Island has very strict laws against religion and the Bible, yet these ministers press on daily to share the love of Christ with their fellow countrymen. We Christians in America take our churches and our Bibles for granted. These men don't have sanctuarys of any kind to meet in, they don't have enough Bibles for each household to even have one. Most of us have 4 or five Bibles, some even more. I encourage you to pray for these ministers and at the same time for us here in America. I pray that we would no longer abuse our freedom and that we would find a way to help those like my new friends who have no such freedom! If you want to know more details about my recent encounter you can email me or leave me a comment. I will gladly share with you - just not through this website:)

In the picture above is (L to R) Island Brother 1, Mrs. Kay, Island Brother 2, Island Brother 3, Bro. Dan, Island Brother 4 and Myself.

Lucy's First Hoodie!

Hello world! Sorry for my absence yesterday. Things to do, people to see, places to go... But, I am here today and as you can see above, have the cutest picture to share:) This is Lucy's first hoodie! I was so excited the other day when I stopped by Old Navy and saw this on doggie clearence. And doesn't she look adorable??? She was so good to let us put it on her and go for an evening stroll! Can't wait to get her Christmas outfit on her! She will no doubt be the star of our family get together:)

Well, hope you all have a fabulous day! I am off to post some new pics on the studio sixteen six blog.... check it out!

Oh! and don't forget... this is National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child, so get those boxes to a collection center near you!

Hello world! I am so glad its Friday!!!!

In today's edition of Fantabulous Friday, I want to introduce you to one of my new favorite authors, Francine Rivers. Particularly I want to introduce you to a book I finished not long ago, titled Redeeming Love. I will admit that when my mother slipped this book into my "goody bag" last fall for my trip to Minnesota, I was not impressed. Sorry Mom! But, I mean this is not a small book. I'll just go ahead and warn you - it's a haus! However, I am now truly grateful for having a chance to read it. Redeeming Love tells the Biblical story of Hosea & Gomer and that's all I am going to say about it.

I would like to add that before actually reading this fictional work, I decided to read the actual account in the book of Hosea, the Holy Bible. And I've come to discover that I am a "Gomer" and God is my "Hosea". He is patiently waiting for me, and for all of us, to accept the unconditional love He has for us. It's right there in front of us - freely offered to those whom He chooses and knocks at the door of their hearts! How sweet is that?

Anyway, if you're looking for a good book - one that you can take something from - go and check out or buy or borrow Francine Rivers' Redeeming Love. You won't be disappointed!
You can also read an excerpt and/or purchase it from one of my favorite online bookstores here at ChristianBook.com

Have a great weekend! See you all on Monday:)

Last box and only 10 days to go!

Okay folks, here it is! This is the last box :) Check out what my 10-14 year old girl will be getting this Christmas. While you're at it, say a prayer for her too!

Hope you all have a fabulous day...

see you tomorrow for Fantabulous Friday!

Another Day - Another Box!

Seriously now - time is running out! What are you waiting for? Get out there and fill a shoebox:) Take a peak at my 5-9 year old girl's box! Only one more to go...

The Countdown is Approaching...

Only 13 more days to complete and turn in a shoebox to your local collection center! Take a look at this 2-4 year old girls box! What fun...

ashley

Rainy days and Mondays always get me down...

Well, not so much the rainy days as I rather enjoy them... but, Mondays - definitely get me down! However, Operation Christmas Child does not get me down:) Here is the last of my Boy boxes. My 10-14 year old boy will get lots of goodies, including a shirt, sizzlers, playing cards, a nerf football, a yo-yo, an hand held fan, candy, school supplies and of course the essential toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and sponge! Have you done your box yet?????

ashley

Operation Christmas Child... Box #2

For my Box-a-day posts here is my shoebox for my 5-9 year old boy! His box inludes a shirt & shorts outfit, a football, jax, a yo-yo, weeble wobbles, trucks, sizzlers, a puzzle, pencils (with a sharpener) and erasers, a beanie baby, a hand held fan, a bandana, some candy and of course soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc..!

Happy Friday Y'all! It's Fantabulous Friday!!!!!

Today I want to highlight one of my favorite recipes... Chocolate Eclair Cake!!! Jon's Mom taught me to make this for his 29th birthday and it has become our favorite dessert. I'm sure you have all had some version of this before - but trust me, this one is the best!!!

ashley

ashley

Nan's Chocolate Eclair Cake

Ingredients

1 large box instant Vanilla Pudding (sometimes I use a little extra)

8 oz. Philadelphia Cream Cheese

8 oz. Cool Whip

1 box HoneyMaid Graham Crackers

2 regular containers Duncan Hines Classic Chocolate Frosting

ashley

Prepare

Mix pudding as directed on package. Combine pudding, Cool Whip and cream cheese and mix until smooth (will be thick!) Set aside. Layer the bottom of a 9x13 pyrex dish with Graham Crackers. Spoon pudding mixture over crackers in a nice even layer. Then add another layer of Graham Crackers on top of the pudding mixture. To finish, place your can(s) of frosting in the microwave for approximately 45 seconds (be sure to remove the top and the foil). Then pour over the top layer of Graham Crackers. You can make the layer of chocolate as thick or as thin as you would like. (I usually use about 1 and 1/2 cans - of course I'm a chocoholic!) Once you have finished adding the frosting, cover dish and place in the fridge for 1-2 hours. This allows everything to gel together and makes for easier service. Okay you're done - if your 2 hours is up, get that bad boy out and go to town! Mmmmmmmm Good!!!

ashley

Hope you all have a Fantabulous Weekend!

What is the purpose of Thursdays???

Okay, seriously, this is the question that I ask myself (and whoever else will listen) each week when Thursday rolls around. I mean we go and go and go on Wednesday (generally speaking of those who do the church and/or choir thing) and we come home exhausted! It just seems like Friday should be next! That way we would only have one more day before the weekend instead of two :) Well, anyway - I know most of you are thinking I'm crazy right now, but just consider how much better today would be if it were Friday!!!

Well, now on to something important and that I know makes sense! As I mentioned last week, one of my favorite things about Christmas is Operation Christmas Child! I thought I would give you a sneak peak at a few of my boxes. I'll start with the boys (they are my favorite for some reason???) Anyway, hope this gives you a better idea of what an OCC Shoebox looks like and what you can give for as little as 10 or 15 dollars! ***Most of this stuff came from Dollar Tree and a few items from Wal-Mart :) Enjoy!

Pajamas, Disney Weeble Wobbles, Links, Kaleidoscope, Soap & Sponge, Toothbrush & Paste, Trucks, a Beenie Baby and some candy!!!