I'll be back on Monday with some serious sass. So let's meet here then and we'll share some White Elephant love....but don't turn it into a fist fight. I've got enough love to share with everyone.

Am I benevolent or what? Feel free to answer that question...

Creation & Redemption

From the beginning God had a plan to send Jesus to die for you.

The same hand that placed stars in the sky and trees in the ground would eventually be pierced on your behalf. His blood for yours.

It's simple. It's profound.

From beginning to end, from creation until the end of time, from Adam to you; one name, one God-man: Jesus Christ.

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5: 6-8





God bless you today, my friend. Thanks for stopping by.

The Alternative Christmas Letter

(The idea for this letter came from the comments section of SCL months ago. If this is your idea, give me a shout and I'll give credit where it's due.)

Christmas brings out strange behavior. Case in point, the traditional Christmas letter. You know what I'm talking about. Or maybe you've even sent one yourself, I know I have. It generally goes something like this:

1) Pay a photographer $500 for 1 picture in which every member of your family looks perfect. Usually this involves matching Polos and lots of airbrushing.

2) Write an exaggerated narrative about family events over the past 12 months. For example, "Jill learned to color" becomes "Jill, though only 2, shows artistic promise as she boldly experiments with color and design". Or, "Life really sucked this year. The fact that we never heard from you once means you're a jerk" becomes "God is teaching us to depend on Him in this season of growth".

3) Send the photo and the letter to people you haven't seen in at least 3 years. Why? Because they're uppity! Remember how they snubbed you after they moved to a nicer neighborhood? How they didn't invite you to their annual Earth Day Granola Munch? Those people deserve a filp o' the ol' Partridge In A Pear Tree, don't you think? The best way to do that is send a letter, where you look and sound perfect so they have to stop and wonder if snubbing you was such a good call.

I must admit, we get lots of these traditional Christmas letters. I don't think we ever snubbed anybody, but still, they roll in every year. Wanna hear a secret? (Lean in close to the screen - I'm whisper-typing.) We don't always read them. They get old and boring and...well...we really don't care how great a soccer player your kid is.....or how your new job as hot dog vendor at Weenie Time is a blessing....or how your new puppy, Mr. Poopsy Pancake, is so very, weary silly-willy....JUST MAKE IT STOP ALREADY!!!!

So, in response to the throng of Christmas letters that flood our mailboxes every year, our family has chosen The Alternative Christmas Letter approach. What you are about to read is the actual Christmas photo and letter we are sending this year. But I wanted to share it with you first.

Dear Family and Friends,

Merry Christmas! We wanted to send you a letter to let you know what we’ve been up to this last year.

We still live in a house. It is in Kentucky. We live close to some family members, but far away from others. We try to get together. Sometimes it works out and we have fun. Other times it does not.

This year we all had birthdays. We have a tradition where we give gifts and have cake. Sometimes we have ice cream, other times we do not. We also blow out candles, which is nice. Every person gets cake because it is good to share.

Dan has a job. He works hard. He gets up, goes to work, works all day and comes home just before dinner. Most days he does this, some days he does not. On the days he does not work he is sick or it is a weekend or maybe even a holiday.

Both kids are in school. Our daughter wakes up every day. So does our son. They put on clothes, eat breakfast, and get in the car. She goes to school and stays until she is picked up. She also eats lunch nearly every day when she is hungry.

Our son goes to school some days, other days he does not. On the days he goes to school he has a good time. He colors some. He listens to some stories. He plays outside. When he is done he comes home. On the days he stays home he plays with toys and sometimes watches a video. But every day he eats lunch.

Stacy stays home some days. Some days she goes out to the store. She buys food and sometimes even underwear or shoes for the kids. Most days she makes dinner. Some days we eat chicken. Other days we eat beef or sandwiches. Usually there is a vegetable but not always. When dinner is ready we like to eat it. We use forks except for when we have soup.

We had all four seasons this year. In the winter it was cold for the most part. Some days it snowed. We would look outside and say, “Look. Snow.” We enjoyed saying this. Then we had spring. Some days it was warmer, other days it was not. Then summer came. When it was hot we would come inside. When we did this we might have a cold drink or say, “It’s hot today.” But we did not say that every day, just some days. Then it was Fall. We had colder weather. The leaves came off the trees. “Look”, we said. “Leaves.”

Some of you are nice to us. We try to keep in touch. If you send a letter we will read it. If you call we will answer the phone. We like to say things like “Hello” and “How are you?” Being nice is good.

It has been so good to catch up with you. Merry Christmas.

Have a nice day,

The Smalls

What's He Preaching About?

I find the following clip very disturbing. This is beyond Bible college weird, and that's saying something. I can't help but think that I'm missing key information as I watch it. Some thing's got him riled up. Watch the clip* and answer this question:

What in the world is this kid preaching about?




*Stacy From Louisville will not be responsible for adverse effects of repeatedly watching this video. Prolonged exposure may cause skin burning, ticks and twitching, spontaneous speaking in tongues during work hours, nightmares, and blindness from degenerated retinas (similar to staring into an eclipse or watching UFOs). Should these symptoms persist please contact Eastern KY Pastor via the comment section.

How Christian Is YOUR Santa?

Perhaps one of the most hotly debated issues around Christmas is whether or not, as Christians, we're supposed to tell our children about Santa. You know as well as I do that this determines your worth as a parent.It's kind of like the whole Amy Grant situation. As the years pass, I can't remember if we're still supposed to be mad at her or not. To El Shaddai or not El Shaddai; that is the question. Same with Santa.

Once, in a women's group, I mentioned taking my kids to visit Saint Nick. As soon as I said it, one mom said, "We choose not to lie to our children. If we lie to them about Santa they'll think we're lying about Jesus. Then where would we be?" She made a good point. As my kids and I keyed her Mercedes later that day I couldn't help but wonder if my children would be scarred for life because of Santa Claus? Was I doing irreversible damage? I lost a good 20 minutes of sleep that night wondering...

That was 3 years ago. Today I have come to my senses. I know that not everyone will agree on the issue of Saint Nick, but we have to admit, he's here to stay. So if by chance you find yourself debating whether or not to take your kids to see Santa this season, you've come to the right place.

In order to help you distinguish Christian Santas from heathen ones I have devised the following points system. Before taking your child to see Father Christmas observe him according to the following scale. Add and subtract points according to your observations.

The Stacy From Louisville Christian Santa Assessment

Santa says, "Merry Christmas!" +4

Santa says, "Happy Holidays!" -2

There's a nativity set up beside Santa's chair. +3 points

There's a nativity set up beside the chair with a fiber optic reindeer as the focal point. -3 points

There's a baptistery every child must be dunked in before he can speak to Santa. +2 points

A kid nearly drowned in it because an elf took a cigarette break. -4 points

Santa has a tattoo of a cross. +1 point

Santa has a tattoo of himself. -2 points

Santa says, "Truth is, I'm not real. Not at all. But Jesus is real and He loves you!" +2 points

Santa wears a t-shirt that says, "My Boss Is A Jewish Carpenter". +2 points

Santa wears a t-shirt that says, "I like your cookies!" (I'm talking baked goods here people! Get your mind out of the gutter!) -2

On the back of his sleigh Santa has a big Christian fish and 8 smaller ones for each reindeer. +2 point

On the back of his sleigh Santa has a rusted out bumper and inappropriate mud flaps. -2 points

For Christmas Santa gives your son a polyester suit and a scholarship to Bible college. +4 points

For Christmas Santa gives your daughter an ankle-length skirt and an Mrs. Degree. -4 points

Santa smells like soft notes of sweet baby Jesus and candy cane. +3

Santa smells like Hickory Farms and cigarettes. -2

Santa just got back from a mission trip. +2

Santa just got out on a work permit. -3

So, how did your local Santa score? Perhaps you saw other questionable behavior. What guidelines would be deal breakers for you? Help me add to the list...

Thankful Much?

(This post was written last night, Thanksgiving Eve.)

Praise be to the LORD,
for he has heard my cry for mercy.

The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy
and I will give thanks to him in song.
Psalm 28: 6-7

While window shopping today I saw something I decided I just had to have. They were Christmas ornaments. $10 would purchase 2 of the collection of 15 ornaments. Sure, I've got tons of ornaments at home, but still. As I looked longer at the selection before me I became frustrated. Suddenly 2 ornaments didn't seem like enough. As I rifled through the selection anxiety crept up. How could I have them all if I only had $10? I wanted them all!

Though my experience in the store may seem trivial to you, it was not to me. We're talking about stupid ornaments, right? Still, something about it rocked my core, forcing me to ask myself: Am I thankful for what I already have?

For a split second, completely surrounded by sparkly this and plastic molded that, I stepped back from myself just far enough to hear the Holy Spirit. "When will it ever be enough?"

You know those moments in movies when the world spins and the character stands motionless amidst the confusion? That was me. With an ornament in each hand I realized there would always be more situations like this one. True, next time it might be a toy for my child, a book for my collection, or $4 coffee, but even then, what constitutes "enough"?

The cursor blinks, waiting for me answer that question. So here I go.

The truth is I don't look at what's around me as though it is a gift. Instead, I take many things - people, food, clothes, humor, relationships - even Christ - for granted. I live life assuming there's always something out there that can improve upon my current circumstance. I've bought into a lie that says "enough" is defined as "a little more than what I've got now".

This skewed perspective has perverted my thinking about what God has given me. These are a few areas of unthankfulness I've discovered:

I should be thankful God has given me a home to bless others. Instead, I see carpet that needs replaced and a couch with lumpy cushions.

The Lord has placed dozens of women around me every day. But I've been known to embrace loneliness instead. What's more, I've called it being thankful for time to myself.

Of course I have a car and it runs well. But the bumper's dented from an accident. It's embarrassing. But not as embarrassing as my attitude about it.

My husband is fantastic. But he won't mind if I ignore him while I catch up on e-mail, again. Or will he?

My Bible is forsaken for a novel. Then later that day I wonder why God seems so distant. And why I don't feel satisfied.

And this evening, I thought I had "extra" money. But if Jesus is Lord of my life, is that really my money in the first place? Instead of answering that question I contemplate 2 ornaments, frustrated because I can't have more.

I guess you could say I'm the girl in the corner with the glass half empty. I'd die of thirst before realizing there's water right in front of me. Being less than thankful can do that.

As I put the ornaments down, He drew me back to see so much more than the display. Very clearly I saw this truth: I need nothing. Until I am thankful for every stick of furniture, every shirt I wear, every food I eat, every relationship that crosses my path - until then, I don't need another distraction. All I need is Him. For me this will be a discipline of thankfulness and self control; to listen to God and say "no" and ignore a world screams "MORE!"

Maybe reading this isn't what you expected for Thanksgiving. It wasn't what I expected! Yet it was just what I needed. For that, I am more thankful than I can say.

What about you? What are you thankful for today? What's gone under the radar that deserves an attitude of praise, starting today?

Come join me today at Stuff Christians Like!

Need a little sugar? How about The Jelly Bellies of Christendom? Come on over for a free sample!

And look what Erin made! This is fantastic! Erin, I heart you!

In Search of Christmas Ideas!

I'm ready to deck the halls with some sarcasm, aren't you? But in order to serve it up properly I need your ideas. What topics would you like to see me write about in December? Don't be shy! Leave your blog fodder here.





And, by the way, guess who's taking the reigns at SCL tomorrow? I'll meet you there, and here. Two places at once, it can be done!

Stuff Stacy Likes for Christmas - What do you like?

(All links are now in working order thanks to Dan, my tech savvy husband. And no. You can't have him for Christmas. Don't ask.)

On Friday, November 28 all of hades will unleash it's occupants. They will assemble at places like Wal-Mart and Target with crazed looks in their eyes. No matter the temperature they will line up at the doors at 3 a.m. If you think their breath is showing just because it is 5 degrees below zero, think again. It's the smoke and sulfur from the bowels of hell coming up from their lungs. And when the store opens it's doors the onslaught of demon-possessed, WWF educated individuals will push, shove, trample, and swear their way through the first official day of the Christmas shopping season. I am, of course, talking about the day after Thanksgiving.

I must admit, there's a rush that comes with all the insanity. That's why this year my daughter and I are hitting Berean Christian Stores at 7 a.m. for Webkinz for a penny. I just explained the whole concept to her. "You're going to sleep in sweats and at 5:45 I'm going to come get you out of bed. It will still be dark and kind of in the middle of the night. I'll buy you hot chocolate at Starbucks. Even if it's so cold you want to cry we're lining up outside the door as soon as we get there. You may hate it but if you want one you're coming with me. UNDERSTAND?" Perhaps this is a bit extreme. Aren't we talking about a Christian book store? Well, I ask you this: Have you ever seen an angry Christian? I know that's difficult to imagine, but think hard. The only difference between an angry Christian and an angry non-believer on the day after Thanksgiving is asking for forgiveness after swearing for jumping in line. You know it's true. (Probably because you and I shared choice words in the Kohl's sweater department Christmas of '06. I want you to know my daughter loves that snow globe I yanked out of your cart. And yes, it was worth it. Please forgive me.)

So, in my effort to keep you away from my Berean Webkinz sale, I have assembled a list of some of my favorite Christmas gifts. Most are available on-line so I'll give you a link whenever I can.

Stuff Stacy Likes For Christmas 2008


Toby Mac - Alive And Transported
This live CD/DVD combo are everything you love about Toby Mac and more. If you've never seen Toby Mac live he's amazing. The CD and DVD capture the essence of his music and ministry - it's electric and passionate. My personal favorites are "Lose My Soul" (with American Idol's Mandisa), "Gone","Irene" and some old school "In The Light" and "Jesus Freak". Seriously excellent. Also available in an MP3 download. ..."I say 'Diverse', ya'll say 'City'!"....

Electronic Wireless High Frequency Key Finder
I could lose my keys in the ignition. My husband would say the solution is to be more dedicated to putting things away. Well, I love him, but we all know that's not gonna happen. Four different color coded receivers will beep when the main remote's coordinating button is pushed. A loud beep from 60-80 feet penetrates walls, couch cushions, toy boxes, etc. 2 receivers are key chains, 2 are flat for say, a wallet, or to attach to the TV remote. Or your 12 month old when he learns to walk. I do not own this but I am asking for it this year. It's worth $40 to not be late because I can't find my keys. Or my computer monitor. I HATE when that happens.

MyPublisher PhotoBook (This will take you to their site for a buy one, get one free book!)
THIS is the gift that everyone will love! I have done two books - a trip to Disney World (400+ pictures plus narrative text) and a trip to Florida (about 70 photos with captions only) - and given them away. Such quality! The photo clarity and professional binding are exceptional. Be as creative or as minimal in design as you like. The programs are easy to follow, worth your time and fun. So reasonably priced, too. You'll want to do one every year. This is my favorite gift on the list. Here's a page from my Disney book.

Shoebox Greatest Hits & Misses
If you like sarcastic, hysterical, "I can't believe you just said that" humor, this is the book for you! The coffee table book is 229 pages of Shoebox greeting cards. They are insanely funny! The format is very relaxed, the illustrations come from the actual cards, and the writers of the cards make funny notes about the creative process. But the best thing about this book is sharing it. When I purchased it 2 years ago I started getting it out when friends came over, with the condition they had to sign their name below the their favorites. This is great for a group of girlfriends. Can be found on-line and in Hallmark Stores.


We all know Christmas gifts come and go. Here's one that will make a lasting Kingdom difference. World Vision has a spectacular Christmas gift giving program. For nearly any price range (there are gifts less than $30) you can purchase a gift for a needy family in the world. Then, World Vision will send you a card to give to the recipient, for example, "In your name, 2 chickens were given to a poverty stricken family in Haiti. These chickens will provide nutrition and income through egg production..." Gift options include clothing, animals, emergency supplies, seeds, farming tools and education... Through the link you can have the gift catalogue sent to your home. What a way to get little ones involved.

Of course, none of these gifts may be to suit your taste. If that's the case, there's always every one's favorite holiday movie. So good luck with that.

What gifts do you suggest for Christmas? What's missing from my list? Name them and leave a link if possible.

(Special thanks to my friend, Stacey!)

SFL's Egg Noggy, Super Bloggy Christmas Picture

Well bless my heart it's time to celebrate Christmas here at Stacy From Louisville! (infer giddy, girly clapping and shrieking) Don't you just feel all sugar plumy and egg noggy thinking about it? In little more than a month all of Christendom will celebrate the birth of Christ, even though He wasn't born on December 25th. But we won't let that stop us, will we? That's right, obscured facts never stopped us before so why should Christmas time be any different? And I love that I get to celebrate it with you. It makes me want to roast chestnuts in your general direction.

Since you're the world's best blog audience I'd like to play a fun game today. I made you something special and here it is.

Caption This Photo:

There's so much to work with here, the only limits are your own creativity. Like I always say, the more ridiculous the better. And if you put a thick layer of God sauce on it, well,...that would be a Christmas miracle. (Or, perhaps a Festivus for the Rest of Us?)

Oh, dear readers. What a Christmas season this will be!