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CHRISTMAS BRUNCH TABLESCAPE

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHcJ6Noiw6XwmYUwuUNkfggibIQG7J4iWss_aQBuu-m_OQcpcIkXhQsKWiE2BjhvVwBY7PmIjMCL20_YzWxFf_zOwUmpkIDcnlJFQ8Y2pHWBh7CgzLLbNSmaspjm8qWgzZR7qLV5cJNJYF/s1600/Christmas+Brunch+Title+Page-stonegableblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHcJ6Noiw6XwmYUwuUNkfggibIQG7J4iWss_aQBuu-m_OQcpcIkXhQsKWiE2BjhvVwBY7PmIjMCL20_YzWxFf_zOwUmpkIDcnlJFQ8Y2pHWBh7CgzLLbNSmaspjm8qWgzZR7qLV5cJNJYF/s640/Christmas+Brunch+Title+Page-stonegableblog.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's Christmas morning at StoneGable...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bobby comes downstairs to turn on the Christmas lights and music (and coffee) and to make sure Santa has come... and safely gone. Everyone else in the house gathers on the steps waiting for the okay to come downstairs!  Youngest to oldest stampede down the stairs when Bobby gives the all clear!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We gather 'round the tree and read the Christmas story, pray and maybe even sing a Christmas carol.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Everyone opens a gift or two, taking turns from youngest to oldest... and then it's time for our favorite meal... Christmas Brunch...</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirveHtbkF3UVWtvqZ-ZF-6D9g3F92qB6QlnUFvxgcbiG0VecM1RXPVMKhQWEm5y8c6LEnNwuzOnuu2bc3uSd_csjZe7QnHMtMz8AUinDjAV4I2hj0a9RS-GERG5jAAA8fJZmBPygbORDs2/s1600/Christmas+table-+shot-stonegableblog.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirveHtbkF3UVWtvqZ-ZF-6D9g3F92qB6QlnUFvxgcbiG0VecM1RXPVMKhQWEm5y8c6LEnNwuzOnuu2bc3uSd_csjZe7QnHMtMz8AUinDjAV4I2hj0a9RS-GERG5jAAA8fJZmBPygbORDs2/s640/Christmas+table-+shot-stonegableblog.com.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This year's table echos the rest of the Christmas decorations ... Cyprus trees, stars, snowflakes and lots of black and white with  red splashes!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm a big fan of black and white.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIta6D1BxGZwPtVhiTLYqA4VQ5LFRzNrLN68Ja6aekFWFVwWlaJkA3iJni0yjBLea5Mti4dsYbTwFHRgl2Nuneao2_TCGaTnwXqnIbcJ_T6OR_QRZ4FJAe8oCjorUciY5dse4_rF5BQfjJ/s1600/Christmas+table-+with+welliies+-stonegableblog.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIta6D1BxGZwPtVhiTLYqA4VQ5LFRzNrLN68Ja6aekFWFVwWlaJkA3iJni0yjBLea5Mti4dsYbTwFHRgl2Nuneao2_TCGaTnwXqnIbcJ_T6OR_QRZ4FJAe8oCjorUciY5dse4_rF5BQfjJ/s640/Christmas+table-+with+welliies+-stonegableblog.com.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> None of the dishes have a Christmas theme on theme on them. This year I put away my Woodland Christmas china and opted for a less busy look.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyRdLaP-l7DwxuWyVmYrdkOFUvdSrxqsf5FCf_zkH9koZeijVoSt2HI7bwkfpheq7jbD9aq-PWMMZKXfU7vxkgZXVsoWZ-coa19XJPdj6_2i34q-jTnkpez7GJl_keVRsbyhUBAd-q04lu/s1600/Christmas+table-stonegableblog.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyRdLaP-l7DwxuWyVmYrdkOFUvdSrxqsf5FCf_zkH9koZeijVoSt2HI7bwkfpheq7jbD9aq-PWMMZKXfU7vxkgZXVsoWZ-coa19XJPdj6_2i34q-jTnkpez7GJl_keVRsbyhUBAd-q04lu/s640/Christmas+table-stonegableblog.com.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Awaiting each couple is a little gift to open at the table. There is one more table gift yet to come.  I am waiting for the mailman to bring the gifts today or tomorrow with fingers crossed.. It is a book for each female about the First Ladies White House Christmas Tour since Jackie Kennedy.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We toured the White House at Christmas a few years ago and it is spectacular! It should be on everybody's bucket list!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></div><br /><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;">Do you think I should put a cigar along side the forks at each males place setting?</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Wi4yYP_yE9TFuDkeNvaEqxYmiPjizwxujmmcXe2gDLPp3h2WfAOXQYVa1LvIpUFTIdPlhDOZVqBEXYxFVO8A08hYgvdFsqut0Wsau9RaTZ0YDrkac3iUJLO5iYPAdwT_bOpm-jCzAM-D/s1600/Christmas+present+on+the+table-stonegableblog.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Wi4yYP_yE9TFuDkeNvaEqxYmiPjizwxujmmcXe2gDLPp3h2WfAOXQYVa1LvIpUFTIdPlhDOZVqBEXYxFVO8A08hYgvdFsqut0Wsau9RaTZ0YDrkac3iUJLO5iYPAdwT_bOpm-jCzAM-D/s640/Christmas+present+on+the+table-stonegableblog.com.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The other place settings are topped with a ribbon tied candy cane.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPy0QIkxCAl05enl5VUbQQbK58pEvxtZ4WtGeCePdIX7-9cOAuiOQzVBnXoZIngscfmiBn3FKQ1H13c3bxCFUgmTUUbKFoVFiV1iWgsLYtEZ2Yj6tR3A3kYIitXCy-Y2mzbRobQICX2t2/s1600/christmas+table-candy+cane-stonegableblog.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPy0QIkxCAl05enl5VUbQQbK58pEvxtZ4WtGeCePdIX7-9cOAuiOQzVBnXoZIngscfmiBn3FKQ1H13c3bxCFUgmTUUbKFoVFiV1iWgsLYtEZ2Yj6tR3A3kYIitXCy-Y2mzbRobQICX2t2/s640/christmas+table-candy+cane-stonegableblog.com.jpg" width="420" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think this year's table looks very cheery!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">MERRY AND BRIGHT!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBk-PCKgmfan0Q9UG4EWkvY2cAGvaWyMAv0MieyIe6zOSDZ4sLGCPUK5zde156Ke1z9RyJR9qNdTbtw-YrhAGC96UOqRefieqXOzFw7POmn_0BixdUJz0sew4R6iwYrU66K2IUETNNi0Jm/s1600/christmas+table-stacked+gifts-stonegableblog.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBk-PCKgmfan0Q9UG4EWkvY2cAGvaWyMAv0MieyIe6zOSDZ4sLGCPUK5zde156Ke1z9RyJR9qNdTbtw-YrhAGC96UOqRefieqXOzFw7POmn_0BixdUJz0sew4R6iwYrU66K2IUETNNi0Jm/s640/christmas+table-stacked+gifts-stonegableblog.com.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Mimosa's have become our Christmas brunch libation! This year Mimosa's will be served with sassy straws. I don't know if my boys will appreciate the straws but my girls will love them!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANX-Q0f6ox77ErMCwfiMFOLWQe6c3c1i90ucprfEkV5ohfih63n-UVQuvGyJ0G_qyaXvN0RrZsj-XL3fc6zUkoIFCa1iq8o1KZDo8HbrT_HICVNT3wrTjmLydMsIgoFJ_ADpcIen4vacu/s1600/christmas+table-setting-stonegableblog.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANX-Q0f6ox77ErMCwfiMFOLWQe6c3c1i90ucprfEkV5ohfih63n-UVQuvGyJ0G_qyaXvN0RrZsj-XL3fc6zUkoIFCa1iq8o1KZDo8HbrT_HICVNT3wrTjmLydMsIgoFJ_ADpcIen4vacu/s640/christmas+table-setting-stonegableblog.com.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I borrowed the Cyprus trees from the kitchen for the brunch table and replace them with big pitchers of fresh holly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GmRHoVRvc89WjxQ9nSAWnqnVKMTEdy-WVvwwBLW2fnUP18vLd6PM5bomDbTcffqvywbptV7Vgu8sTlNoYNV5eIE1gGVc4HxkbkP81Oi5RbWH2sFSt0etuyzAk2Yhw0ykp6g_UYG7cpGn/s1600/christmas+table-in+tree+light-stonegableblog.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GmRHoVRvc89WjxQ9nSAWnqnVKMTEdy-WVvwwBLW2fnUP18vLd6PM5bomDbTcffqvywbptV7Vgu8sTlNoYNV5eIE1gGVc4HxkbkP81Oi5RbWH2sFSt0etuyzAk2Yhw0ykp6g_UYG7cpGn/s640/christmas+table-in+tree+light-stonegableblog.com.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love the row of  Cyprus down the table!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQLV38dG9UxYb9xf6aZMf50zJxBizJd2EPwYeXx8ZEvuQQUNw0P0YwQxIgyBnm3uufVNVYwoI1qa2gHCn6ctEsgWGSevy12Y_pdA__1HW4J3mLcmAcsjCDlrzC2vhhWUw2mjfseGfXRaj/s1600/Christmas+table-right+side-stonegableblog.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQLV38dG9UxYb9xf6aZMf50zJxBizJd2EPwYeXx8ZEvuQQUNw0P0YwQxIgyBnm3uufVNVYwoI1qa2gHCn6ctEsgWGSevy12Y_pdA__1HW4J3mLcmAcsjCDlrzC2vhhWUw2mjfseGfXRaj/s640/Christmas+table-right+side-stonegableblog.com.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Little pewter reindeer salt and pepper shakers from the Pottery Barn Outlet hide between the Cyprus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFV_5jrC_x_tGHrY473TXMPIsySjMaXyR7dAqQCheCxzTJ_NPvDkN2I2NWQN4V-x0XIboAP9NgxgGZdXJ6FCwQXjC_T6YFHgYLb8yDRtfYH5UUVwbd6gmxvXNKmUsaTlHkJSIIiH9PoWH/s1600/christmas+table-reindeer+s+and+p-stonegableblog.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFV_5jrC_x_tGHrY473TXMPIsySjMaXyR7dAqQCheCxzTJ_NPvDkN2I2NWQN4V-x0XIboAP9NgxgGZdXJ6FCwQXjC_T6YFHgYLb8yDRtfYH5UUVwbd6gmxvXNKmUsaTlHkJSIIiH9PoWH/s640/christmas+table-reindeer+s+and+p-stonegableblog.com.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The table's set and the tree is lit... and we are excitedly waiting for Christmas morning!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQseRp8rMotwPBTqJZSZTdeGxfVV1UdV0Fmhy4JWMAOBq6qZm22QslTupPA6eGaPHnUypynOz6-3ERXFHf4tE1OLspDzFKgjZNEratXNf7SXY0nviVEKpqM8ySQp4iZVk7EIulKkSq7lLA/s1600/christmas+table-tree+lights+and+gifts-stonegableblog.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQseRp8rMotwPBTqJZSZTdeGxfVV1UdV0Fmhy4JWMAOBq6qZm22QslTupPA6eGaPHnUypynOz6-3ERXFHf4tE1OLspDzFKgjZNEratXNf7SXY0nviVEKpqM8ySQp4iZVk7EIulKkSq7lLA/s640/christmas+table-tree+lights+and+gifts-stonegableblog.com.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">THE CHRISTMAS BRUNCH MENU</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Egg and Sausage Croissant Casserole</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Grilled Kielbasa</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Land Of Nod Monkey Bread</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cherry And Cheese Danish</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fresh Fruit</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mom's Green Jello Mold</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Orange Juice</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mimosa</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Coffee</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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CHRISTMAS BRUNCH TABLESCAPE

It's Christmas morning at StoneGable... Bobby comes downstairs to turn on the Christmas lights and music (and coffee) and to make sure S...

3:30 AM

LOOKING AT THE REAL CHRISTMAS STORY

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINOIAatMr3bB5E8MtLmBAbZR8Q6lpfxCHVTJKW9dc9vacP7ErIrtSga0cDMseR_gOIUKZNk277q-jXUk3sV_PePDsm3XAziovWnA6AKQg7F3eI8A4fJ2_YaYxCQGs8XobHJpuUPB_Noxf/s1600/SS+12-23-13+Looking+At+The+Real+Christmas+Story-stonegableblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINOIAatMr3bB5E8MtLmBAbZR8Q6lpfxCHVTJKW9dc9vacP7ErIrtSga0cDMseR_gOIUKZNk277q-jXUk3sV_PePDsm3XAziovWnA6AKQg7F3eI8A4fJ2_YaYxCQGs8XobHJpuUPB_Noxf/s400/SS+12-23-13+Looking+At+The+Real+Christmas+Story-stonegableblog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I often think God is a God of few words... He writes and reveals for a purpose! To me, He does not often give lots of colorful background, the thoughts and feelings of the people in history or a flowery description of life and the culture of the times.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">God is purposeful... He has a message and wants us to clearly understand His main points. It is literally a matter of eternal life for eternal death!<br /><br />Today we are adding some cultural background and human thoughts to the real, raw and unrated Christmas story...<br /><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">God's message in the Christmas story is... </span><br /><br />I am coming...coming to you in the form of a human. I will be called Jesus, GOD SAVES!  I, God will live with you... close and intimate. You will be able to hear and feel and touch me for a little while. I will love you with an everlasting love just like I have from the very beginning... and then I will sacrifice myself in your place because I want you to be with me forever. I want to share my riches and relationship with you forever. I love you more than you can think or know!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Most of us read about the birth of Jesus as a nice and pretty and sanitized story. Ah, the shepherds, and sweet Mary and faithful Joseph, and the mean inn keeper and the lowly donkey and the shining star and the multitude of girly angels in flowing gowns and halos playing harps and trumpet thingies, and the sweet smelling hay and the rosy cheeked blond haired baby and oh, the beauty and formality of the King's English version of the story!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Today I hope to change our  "squeaky clean" version of the Christmas story and let's get real...let's go to 1st century Israel... a time of terrible occupation by the Romans. To a time when a young Jewish girl lived in a once pioneer village of no more than 35 homes. A speck of a village on the side of a hill occupied by a Roman outpost. Let's visit THIS Christmas story...<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKnjRtgJvRacv8DBLQP_GqvfB3ipt-E3UiCw2HjfE46vt7MkAyQLLGiWRHQJtqyqa2M197hovN2oHQkml2wvvvGIQQ57cbRfjkdaBlqlubDhQQHrbcZWrMBoczG0jEZjQbO6b61Uig2Hf/s1600/Copy+of+DSC05416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKnjRtgJvRacv8DBLQP_GqvfB3ipt-E3UiCw2HjfE46vt7MkAyQLLGiWRHQJtqyqa2M197hovN2oHQkml2wvvvGIQQ57cbRfjkdaBlqlubDhQQHrbcZWrMBoczG0jEZjQbO6b61Uig2Hf/s640/Copy+of+DSC05416.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqPBX3BIKh57y3tn45g2fOm4bX3yLHoYSf5Q0t1D41D8CMeCtePVQSWodEY0zDJbwIYc4a_8UqBXdLrWxopjk17rtUARHaGZ31Jz1nIkKDDDvnejrwovx_NRWZCtbDXOAr1UN4AppROpL/s1600/DSC05432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqPBX3BIKh57y3tn45g2fOm4bX3yLHoYSf5Q0t1D41D8CMeCtePVQSWodEY0zDJbwIYc4a_8UqBXdLrWxopjk17rtUARHaGZ31Jz1nIkKDDDvnejrwovx_NRWZCtbDXOAr1UN4AppROpL/s640/DSC05432.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />Nazareth today... a far cry from the tiny village in Mary's time<br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlLEWqPmLr16uifZu1C1jJfvDvoouGYkSkMKt14v6fQP7lctdXprs91RGYe4_jz_k9-IJfxMyie3g1ddQr3oozn0s2oJwTaw05zT1TXDw0D_dkloQudgGAqtdzIqYmE8It6FWeG9O-e56d/s1600/Copy+of+DSC05413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlLEWqPmLr16uifZu1C1jJfvDvoouGYkSkMKt14v6fQP7lctdXprs91RGYe4_jz_k9-IJfxMyie3g1ddQr3oozn0s2oJwTaw05zT1TXDw0D_dkloQudgGAqtdzIqYmE8It6FWeG9O-e56d/s640/Copy+of+DSC05413.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Site in Nazareth of original Nazareth of Mary's time... now next to the Church of the Annunciation (the church that houses Mary's ancient  home)<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">First, Jesus was not, in all probability, born on December 25. I'm not going to speculate when, but we can be pretty sure that it was not December 25. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's also a sure bet that there was no snow or evergreens or mistletoe! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mary was a young Jewish girl... some say probably around the age of 15. She was not formally educated but was probably well taught in the Pentateuch (the first 5 books of the bible), the Law and the Prophets by her parents and also by her brothers who would have attended Synagogue.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">She lived in a small home with her extended family. Not a whole lot of privacy there! In those day's a family animals were often taken into the back of the home at night in a dug out area. There they would sleep and eat from a feeding trough called a manger. No running water, no toilets, no heat or air conditioning, no Wallmart's, no electricity, no books or tv or computers or modern day conveniences. Just living! Basic and cramped and smelly!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXeXmFL7hep49SNAwZRa4HmXdX20YCa8yGhFF3OUPcvjKfS1dBGUBWeRpcrqdNeymuU6GrX_-VZAj3o9t4dEjinbBKfc0upjpUbBAjYwuxBcZvjC7L5iNIIzc6ET4PD4XyMoyxkjPEwnU/s1600/Copy+of+DSC05427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXeXmFL7hep49SNAwZRa4HmXdX20YCa8yGhFF3OUPcvjKfS1dBGUBWeRpcrqdNeymuU6GrX_-VZAj3o9t4dEjinbBKfc0upjpUbBAjYwuxBcZvjC7L5iNIIzc6ET4PD4XyMoyxkjPEwnU/s640/Copy+of+DSC05427.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Mary's home... contained in the church of the Annunciation, Nazareth Israel<br />See the smoke from oil lights and fires?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Like all young girls, Mary might have thought about being the mother of the Messiah ( the anointed One who would lead the Jews out of bondage and be the great ruler of Israel).  Never in Mary's wildest dreams could she imagine what her life would hold.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Her life was meager and common and everyday first-century-in-a-small-town-on-the-side-of-a-hill-in-Israel!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">One day an angel, named Gabriel, appeared to her and  told her she had found favor with God.  Can you imagine an angel (not one of those girly angels... btw there is NO SUCH THING as a girly angel) appearing to you?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He said...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"> “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 14px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” Luke 1:30-33</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm sure this scene had Mary in quite a state! But in true Godly form, we don't really get to see her emotion or thoughts!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">But God does reveal how she answered the angel...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-size: large;">“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Mary, even though she was contractually bound to be married to another villager named Joseph, had not slept around! She and Joseph did not live together or had any intimate contact. They were good Jews and follower's of God's Law.  In Mary's day and age, according to God's word and His law, Marry kept herself pure. In Mary's time the penalty for sex before marriage was stoning... stoning to death! Can you see how important sexual purity was (and still is) to God? </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Mary, could not understand how she could ever conceive a child...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The angel replied...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"> the Son of God. </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 14px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 14px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">For no word from God will ever fail.” Luke 1:35-37</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">I like my English Standard Version translation of  verse 37... it says...</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> FOR NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!</span></b></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">The bible does not tell us Mary's feelings or trepidation or fears or inner thoughts. God does, however give us Mary's obedient and succinct answer...  </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This was a pretty together young lady!!!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">We are never told of the detail of the reaction of her family or the village but we can see a glimpse of her espoused husband (sorta like engaged) Joseph...</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Joseph. The bible calls him a righteous man. Meaning one that followed God's law and was found in right standing with God.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Joseph, hears the news of Mary's pregnancy and what does he think? He probably thinks that she has been unfaithful to him and broken a sacred contract. This must have shaken him to his core! </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">According to God's law Joseph has every right to have her stoned to death. And it would be the right thing for him to do.  In doing so he would totally vindicate himself. It would let everyone know that he was not the child's father... he had not slept with her before marriage. He was a follower of God's law.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Stoning would save him for the shame (a very big deal in Joseph's time and culture) of a pregnant espoused wife!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here we get a glimpse of Joseph's character! Here is what Joseph chose to do...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"> did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Joseph chose life for Mary and her baby... even though he knew the baby was not his.  I'm not sure how quiet you can divorce someone in a small town. But the fact is... he chose life!</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;">Now the plot thickens... and Gabriel enter's the story again...</div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div class="reg" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”</span></b></div><div class="reg" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).</span></b></div><div class="reg" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Not only did Joseph chose life for Mary and her unborn baby... but by marrying her  he also took responsibility for Jesus as his son.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">To the villagers and the rest of the people of Israel the marriage of Josehp to Mary was as good as admitting that he was indeed the unborn baby's father and he along with Mary were guilty of fornication (that's a word we don't hear often, meaning sex before marriage).</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">This probably brought great shame to the couple and great hardship within the community!</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;">Mary and Joseph lived real lives, in real history, in hard times!<br /><br /><br />As the Christmas story progresses... can you see how agonized Joseph was when he got the news that he had to travel with his expectant wife to Bethlehem, the town of his ancestral birth, to take part in a census of the Roman government occupying beloved Israel? The time for this baby to be born was now... this baby that was God's son... This baby that he had charge over!</div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;">Can you see Joseph and Mary making a 10 day trip over craggy mountains and valleys to reach Bethlehem. Mary so uncomfortable and ready to give birth. Was it easier for Mary to walk or to ride a donkey?</div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;">Can you imagine "O Little Town Of Bethlehem" a real town just 8 miles outside of the capital of Jerusalem ... a small town but swelling and teaming with ancestors of David to take part in a decreed census.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbKgude_d7QxSNN_HU2dhVFwIKYt_x7R3Pzb5hheGXkzACwQyTkb6y3MMp86yRFgwViPzSJ7OUUK13_Od-RFaxbb8tGQrj8B3Hd57v6_uRWamC1KobJB7T5BBn_AtTtbi0GEU2RzjgBbh/s1600/SS-12-22-13+stonegableblog.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbKgude_d7QxSNN_HU2dhVFwIKYt_x7R3Pzb5hheGXkzACwQyTkb6y3MMp86yRFgwViPzSJ7OUUK13_Od-RFaxbb8tGQrj8B3Hd57v6_uRWamC1KobJB7T5BBn_AtTtbi0GEU2RzjgBbh/s640/SS-12-22-13+stonegableblog.com.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Bethlehem today<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;">Can you imagine that Mary and Joseph, tired and worn out,. were probably taken in by distant relatives... and as Mary went into labor she was taken to the back of a small crowded home where the family kept their animals?</div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;">Can you see Mary in real life labor with everything that involves?</div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;">And out of necessity can you imagine Jesus, God in human flesh, being laid in an animal eating trough?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNjpMjRslkNSIJAnoiXNbvSUdVFA7r5_rSDbbP9IyhuI5YuJsWMi9frLhBX393M-ZcQ0CohrzjGlMhEohH5OnlP315ce6pGS_AZwmxpKG1yZ_iP_OD0XI4Ar2jXxAvpPoIMauHZ2OQU0A/s1600/DSC05775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNjpMjRslkNSIJAnoiXNbvSUdVFA7r5_rSDbbP9IyhuI5YuJsWMi9frLhBX393M-ZcQ0CohrzjGlMhEohH5OnlP315ce6pGS_AZwmxpKG1yZ_iP_OD0XI4Ar2jXxAvpPoIMauHZ2OQU0A/s640/DSC05775.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />Inside the Church Of The Nativity~ place of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48TCCaTAHNGY0iuG4Hkvin5WH6oj9tSVVBHfI7luvX6RNC_c-uwuGjnetX1z26v-JH5rv6TckCiSZhTML2BuVOU8gUY4K4vVF4crGARHYR4x16H0aRM6nRiPTfNybiodLWZd5QV-TBRVS/s1600/DSC05783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48TCCaTAHNGY0iuG4Hkvin5WH6oj9tSVVBHfI7luvX6RNC_c-uwuGjnetX1z26v-JH5rv6TckCiSZhTML2BuVOU8gUY4K4vVF4crGARHYR4x16H0aRM6nRiPTfNybiodLWZd5QV-TBRVS/s640/DSC05783.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />My sister-in-law Sue kneeling under the alter to touch the ground through the hole in the floor of the church... the place of Jesus' birth.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;">Can you see the shepherds out in a craggy, ravine like valley at night. Shepherds... the lowliest of the low... being visited by a multitude of angels... of supernatural beings.. telling them the long awaited Savior had been born.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdCZzY3IYnTEUnsBxJ9nillKWnm8mcNXjR_VFrZqOTPKiY_rdVERvwrjuhtuy36G2VA0HfryPQecYLxOky8iXMuPDKMtpkoxUpg_bzcvSRWqvaJukE6N_ZiVqOU556kRxBw9yJIMrJU_I/s1600/DSC05796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdCZzY3IYnTEUnsBxJ9nillKWnm8mcNXjR_VFrZqOTPKiY_rdVERvwrjuhtuy36G2VA0HfryPQecYLxOky8iXMuPDKMtpkoxUpg_bzcvSRWqvaJukE6N_ZiVqOU556kRxBw9yJIMrJU_I/s400/DSC05796.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdF1mmdNc-QHMjZiWfY3ZS6a-3Wr5GxWn-QmFvPUnt_GwQtQHT5a9yq7Ie_Ql0CKBQAmjLV92IsAdlEN31ILKyZi0erFb1rmpUF5oUIPD7dRmlJolRmiKN8PLSzSd42zqzvFpozoYCeI7h/s1600/DSC05798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdF1mmdNc-QHMjZiWfY3ZS6a-3Wr5GxWn-QmFvPUnt_GwQtQHT5a9yq7Ie_Ql0CKBQAmjLV92IsAdlEN31ILKyZi0erFb1rmpUF5oUIPD7dRmlJolRmiKN8PLSzSd42zqzvFpozoYCeI7h/s400/DSC05798.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Shepherd's field today... still a field<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;">Can you see them with dirty fingernails and dusty clothing... worn and tired... but determined to find the babe. Filled with wonder and awe... an probably a great deal of human confusion! </div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;">Can you see God's love in sending His Son to be born in this time... in this place ... in this way!</div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;">It's important to see the drama and the struggle of the Christmas story! We need to feel the emotions of two people given a choice to make... a hard choice... to follow God's will knowing that following it will most likely reap some very unpleasant consequences from the world around them. We need to see the Christmas story from the customs of a first century, ancient, orthodox, oriental viewpoint. We need to smell the manure and hear the animal sounds and see sweat and dirt of the story!</div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;">We need to know that the three wise men were not present at the Christ child's birth. That they don't belong at the manger until almost two years later.</div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;">We need to know the world and times God chose to come to humanity! </div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;">We need to get this story right and real!</div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;">Do you know the<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>real, nitty-gritty, raw and beautiful story of Jesus' birth? Does it fill you with amazing wonder!</div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;">This Christmas I hope we will all keep Christmas<span style="font-size: large;"><b> REAL</b></span>!</div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;">Here are more real aspects of the Christmas story and images from Israel</div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><a href="http://www.stonegableblog.com/2012/12/sunday-scripture-dec-16-2012.html" target="_blank">MARY'S STORY</a></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><a href="http://www.stonegableblog.com/2012/12/sunday-scripture-dec-23-2012.html" target="_blank">THE REAL STORY OF THE MAJI OR WISE MEN</a></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>

LOOKING AT THE REAL CHRISTMAS STORY

I often think God is a God of few words... He writes and reveals for a purpose! To me, He does not often give lots of colorful background, t...

9:25 AM

THE BEST CHRISTMAS 2014 YOU WILL GET THIS YEAR!

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0u3_G2WxUN6usVdNog01I-LA-7eATjFWSKA2AswBZxfZFaQfcNZQkybWjGyO6KYFUBopwpOONrjj4FH20Lry3wlWvbtsCJp7IG6ufTdXfvyyKmi7dwSJ5dxJBDGWQqyEFXjXHe1p5-s_/s1600/The+Best+2014+Christmas+Tip+This+Year-Title+Page-stonegableblog.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0u3_G2WxUN6usVdNog01I-LA-7eATjFWSKA2AswBZxfZFaQfcNZQkybWjGyO6KYFUBopwpOONrjj4FH20Lry3wlWvbtsCJp7IG6ufTdXfvyyKmi7dwSJ5dxJBDGWQqyEFXjXHe1p5-s_/s640/The+Best+2014+Christmas+Tip+This+Year-Title+Page-stonegableblog.com.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, you read that right! The time to think about next year's Christmas decorations is this year!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It will save you lots of time and energy (and stress) if you just do a couple of things this year to prepare for next.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I can almost read your thoughts... "I am way to ________________ (fill in the blank), I can hardly get through THIS Christmas.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That's why we should be thinking about next year... NOW!  Here's what I mean...</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><a name="more"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1t-WxwhgwAAazGo_uCKtbQ8lB92mIAHul_4TzajBrfgvQvTS-_6Ih_9To9O-618akbcy3yQ0rOAn9QplGnJg1mJQcvjY5iKoBVyEuDqfX1u_xsjy69RHDZL1jSod1XV8g60RvidRrWCQE/s1600/Farmhouse+Christmas+aprons-stonegableblog.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1t-WxwhgwAAazGo_uCKtbQ8lB92mIAHul_4TzajBrfgvQvTS-_6Ih_9To9O-618akbcy3yQ0rOAn9QplGnJg1mJQcvjY5iKoBVyEuDqfX1u_xsjy69RHDZL1jSod1XV8g60RvidRrWCQE/s640/Farmhouse+Christmas+aprons-stonegableblog.com.jpg" width="404" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As I am ooohing and aaahing my way through my favorite blogs or perusing Pinterest I'm always finding tons and tons of inspiration. I come across so many wonderful ideas every day.<br /><br />Like this brilliant and so festive Jingle Bell Strap from <a href="http://www.thewoodgraincottage.com/" target="_blank">THE WOOD GRAIN COTTAGE</a>.<br /><br /><br /><img alt="Christmas Home Tour 2013 by The Wood Grain Cottage" height="640" src="http://www.thewoodgraincottage.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_6993-682x1024.jpg" width="426" /><br /><a href="http://www.thewoodgraincottage.com/" target="_blank">The Wood Grain Cottage</a><br /><br /><br /><br />I knew I would love to make this for my mudroom next year. I can probably get the jingle bells on sale after Christmas and tuck them away to make next year.<br /><br />BUT...<br /><br /> here's the problem... I will probably forget all about the great jingle bell strap or not know where I put the bells I bought to make it by next Christmas.<br /><br />So, to help my poor memory I set up a "PRIVATE" board on Pinterest and called it "Christmas 2014".<br /><br />If you don't know how to make a private Pinterest board... I have instructions at the end of this post.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img alt="DIY Jingle Bell Strap by The Wood Grain Cottage" src="http://www.thewoodgraincottage.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/main1.jpg" /><br /><a href="http://www.thewoodgraincottage.com/2013/12/12/diy-jingle-bell-strap/" target="_blank">THE WOOD GRAIN COTTAGE</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Now you are probably asking, "Why do I need to create a private Christmas board when I already have a public Christmas board"?  Great question.<br /><br />If I were to put an idea I want to use next Christmas in my regular Christmas board I would NEVER remember it! I want only the Christmas ideas in my private Christmas board that I'll probably be making next Christmas.<br /><br />Also...<br /><br />I created a private board so I can leave myself notes in the description box that I don't want the world to see!<br /><br /><br /><br /><img height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4k2HAknQEsc/Uq9lWqMvy-I/AAAAAAAAEMM/MOvv7Tk_tow/s640/DSCN6330.JPG" width="588" /><br /><a href="http://www.therefeatheredroost.com/2013/12/clay-pot-christmas-tree-and-outdoor.html#comment-form" target="_blank">THE REFEATHERED ROOST</a><br /><br /><br /><br />Take this very creative clay pot Christmas tree for example.<br /><br />We are having our patio redone this spring and I would love to put one of these garden pot Christmas trees on my new patio wall in 2014. So cute!<br /><br />So, I pinned it to my private board "Christmas 2014" and wrote a few notes to myself ... like...<br /><br />"get pots at garden center" . And... love the basket of greens next to them. And... find source for sugar pine cones to use with the clay pot Christmas tree!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cNWJuW_9RnU/Uq9lWnNluVI/AAAAAAAAEMU/mIZ5onp1Wcw/s640/DSCN6336.JPG" /><br /><a href="http://www.therefeatheredroost.com/2013/12/clay-pot-christmas-tree-and-outdoor.html#comment-form" target="_blank">THE REFEATHERED ROOST</a><br /><br /><br /><br />Here are a few inspirations in my private Christmas 2014 board that I am going to work on for Christmas 2014...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img alt=" " src="http://media-cache-cd0.pinimg.com/736x/15/b2/b7/15b2b779fbd5266c54602e420b9e5f9a.jpg" /><br /><a href="http://www.tineskreativehjorne.com/search?updated-max=2012-02-19T15:39:00%2B01:00&max-results=10&start=10&by-date=false" target="_blank">SOURCE FROM PINTEREST</a><br /><br />For the kitchen cabinets next year!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAA3xb68Xgw2M0wV6m_8i93JK7pvK8KCUPXTlWGVGLS5z8v-QZPYpIP6B1aFcKtsiaTca9aVGI5gdpxdivIRz4RP3koQjBYOuNcbtDsCrz_N6s0TZsM9Enoh7KVIsZjU7X0XKT4CDNiPg/s640/Christmas+2.jpg" width="332" /><br /><a href="http://frenchlarkspur.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-01-06T14:56:00-06:00&max-results=5" target="_blank">FRENCH LARKSPUR</a><br /><br />I'm in the hunt for a little cart to go on one side of my kitchen island. I would love to put a farmhouse inspired arrangement there for Christmas... always love Paperwhites!!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img alt="Christmas 2013 Guest Room" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7358/11405635103_09b46b0cf3_c.jpg" /><br /><a href="http://www.housepitalitydesigns.com/2013/12/16/the-christmas-guest-room/#comments" target="_blank">HOUSEPITALITY DESIGNS</a><br /><br />This would look great in the living room! I e-mailed Shirley to find out where she got it...  It's a Department 56 tree. So I wrote that down in the description box on Pinterest!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img alt="DIYChristmasSign thumb Outdoor Christmas Decorating: Sharpie Art Tree Sign  http://findinghomeonline.com/outdoor-christmas-decorating-sharpie-art-tree-sign/" src="http://media-cache-cd0.pinimg.com/736x/21/ce/f3/21cef3b81dc84222371fd6b1a3a61a1c.jpg" /><br /><a href="http://findinghomeonline.com/outdoor-christmas-decorating-sharpie-art-tree-sign/" target="_blank">FINDING JOY</a><br /><br /><br />I love this project and the way Laura styled this! Something like this would look great on my side porch!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img alt="Twelve Dats of Christmas Trees {Sparkly Burlap Tutorial}" height="640" src="http://www.vintagenewsjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/twelve-days-of-christmas-trees-sparkly-burlap-tutorial.jpg" width="426" /><br /><a href="http://www.vintagenewsjunkie.com/how-to-make-a-burlap-christmas-tree-in-five-minutes-easy-tutorial/" target="_blank">VINTAGE NEWS JUNKIE</a><br /><br /><br />I like all these trees... but look in the background. See the little tree on the black pedestal?  I love love love the little one made of pinecones (I think). I wrote copious notes about how I would make this on my Christmas 2014 Pinterest board.<br /><br />Wouldn't a trio of these look adorable?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img alt="Delighful Door Knocker" height="400" src="http://canadianhometrends.com/wp-content/gallery/eileens-natural-holiday-decor/screen-shot-2013-10-24-at-9-36-31-am.png" width="323" /><br /><a href="http://canadianhometrends.com/natural-christmas-decorations/?pid=1873" target="_blank">HOME TRENDS</a><br /><br /><br /><br />How easy is this sweet idea.  I wrote "Convert into a decoration to go on the door handles of the front door and bedrooms". So so easy and what a darling Christmas detail!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img alt="Beautiful, warm, winter-holiday decorating idea: scarves as table runners; wood risers for candles in hurricanes; red berries to pick up the scarf colors. Holiday warmth!" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/7a/ab/b5/7aabb54a39b071e9ec39b43560597ace.jpg" width="427" /><br /><a href="http://sweetsomethingdesign.blogspot.com/2010/12/outdoor-tablescape.html" target="_blank">SWEET SOMETHING DESIGNS</a><br /><br /><br />This is my all time favorite Christmas table! I just may try to copy the whole thing next year! Christmas outdoor dining! This would work on my porch!<br /><br /><br /><br />I'm sure you get the idea! <br />Get those inspiring images into a Pinterest board that is for your eyes only so you won't forget!!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />These boots were inspired by wellies filled with cherry blossoms I found on Pinterest.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dF51t9dGuFnJ2WOwqWkUm9AyQqi5wMh5q8fpICFzIocOVfVkNw6OjNJ9Kn6olCHeZ4jwsHZ0YbwU4gpHF-NXe5RWhCvfKpw8xmZC-yj8nK5PCGbf8O4DhB2VRpqpEUGsemfztN5ANIMM/s1600/Copy+of+Christmas+Foyer-red+boots+with+greens-stonegableblog.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dF51t9dGuFnJ2WOwqWkUm9AyQqi5wMh5q8fpICFzIocOVfVkNw6OjNJ9Kn6olCHeZ4jwsHZ0YbwU4gpHF-NXe5RWhCvfKpw8xmZC-yj8nK5PCGbf8O4DhB2VRpqpEUGsemfztN5ANIMM/s640/Copy+of+Christmas+Foyer-red+boots+with+greens-stonegableblog.com.jpg" width="472" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />But look at the inspiration I have for next year!!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img alt="IMG_2037-001" src="http://homeiswheretheboatis.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/img_2037-001.jpg?w=500&h=666" /><br /><a href="http://homeiswheretheboatis.net/2013/12/16/potting-shed-christmas-nesting-feathering/" target="_blank">HOME IS WHERE THE BOAT IS</a><br /><br /><br /><br />Aren't these just adorable! I love the little nest tucked in the top of the wellies!!!! I just love everything Mary does!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtw-ypRl8cdLkAM8yxANfsxaQYAiKMblO90XA7_CarQVXjmbASjL4b_YeIIxK80AMTZm_9ni4NDn_iIRWaYRQVckyonM8niQO1475gtW6DQZIv5z9JJ-g_IIxxomuWfteAOMGLo_j7OkM/s1600/Dining+Room-christmas+package+on+chair-stonegableblog.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtw-ypRl8cdLkAM8yxANfsxaQYAiKMblO90XA7_CarQVXjmbASjL4b_YeIIxK80AMTZm_9ni4NDn_iIRWaYRQVckyonM8niQO1475gtW6DQZIv5z9JJ-g_IIxxomuWfteAOMGLo_j7OkM/s640/Dining+Room-christmas+package+on+chair-stonegableblog.com.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br />I hope this idea inspires you to get a jump start on thinking about next year's Christmas decorations, while enjoying all the fabulous Christmas things you see on the blogs and Pinterst this year! I call it "RESEARCH"!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />HOW TO SET UP A PRIVATE BOARD ON PINTEREST<br /><br />For those of you who have a Pinterest site but don't know how to set up a Private Board...<br /><br />In the top Pinterest header... way over to the right side you should see your name (or what you have named your Pinterest site). Click on it.  In the drop-down box that appears click on "YOUR PROFILE AND PINS". You should now be on a page that shows you all of your Pinterest Boards.<br /><br />Scroll to the <i>very</i> bottom of the page and find an area called "Secret Boards" with a little lock icon.<br /><br />Now all you do is click on a box that says "Create Your Own Boards" and another box will appear... fill in the info and you have your own "SECRET BOARD" that only you can see!<br /><br />Use it to plan Christmas 2014!<br /><br />Easy-Peasy!<br /><br /><br />One more thing... PLEASE, PLEASE , PLEASE try to find the correct source of each image you pin. Someone worked very hard so you can enjoy all this inspiration!<br /><br /><br /><br />Click <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/stoneg/" target="_blank">HERE</a> to follow me on PINTEREST!<br /><br />Remember to<br /><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9f4dCiJlOXzeMTNKMtG7w2X_TvlM52xPOdh_eVKnQxvdcRKtMj_qUNxoQPf1dpfS7Cun7skl6_p9qOZ26a8oEbPP5L1p2vsiGDB44a-iAMESwNpY0EeLGZFCf4_Jrs7YJ8CWBDzqF1w7U/s1600/The+Best+2014+Christmas+Tip+This+Year-pin-stonegableblog.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9f4dCiJlOXzeMTNKMtG7w2X_TvlM52xPOdh_eVKnQxvdcRKtMj_qUNxoQPf1dpfS7Cun7skl6_p9qOZ26a8oEbPP5L1p2vsiGDB44a-iAMESwNpY0EeLGZFCf4_Jrs7YJ8CWBDzqF1w7U/s400/The+Best+2014+Christmas+Tip+This+Year-pin-stonegableblog.com.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><br /></a></div></div></div>

THE BEST CHRISTMAS 2014 YOU WILL GET THIS YEAR!

Yes, you read that right! The time to think about next year's Christmas decorations is this year!!! It will save you lots of time and en...

5:42 AM

WELCOME TO THE SCOOP #97

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></b></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAJfIIDOvsBgsCw-9ZqIqUEOv6QfWaSP0XuJTsundL_TSVPNpZbYudoGdHIaE2aT-oYYom8Q_4AMCc66UgMZBfrQaQFjqXHKLNE3vPR5MLN2YOPRzMQ2r7BeW8qIj3eg7Uan1J_4cpU22/s1600/The+Scoop+12-17-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAJfIIDOvsBgsCw-9ZqIqUEOv6QfWaSP0XuJTsundL_TSVPNpZbYudoGdHIaE2aT-oYYom8Q_4AMCc66UgMZBfrQaQFjqXHKLNE3vPR5MLN2YOPRzMQ2r7BeW8qIj3eg7Uan1J_4cpU22/s640/The+Scoop+12-17-13.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Welcome back to The Scoop</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></b></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The weekly linky party featuring <i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">the scoop</i> on the</span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">best posts from around the web!</span><br /><span style="font-size: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwDmwoJVpvR5poVEL4n73sBKaf771DWhcrBeSnIhdgFgPrlfngPbkMOgnQMcKw6JpLj1QRWgGWlfWoPLfOj2Oaz9HKpe-ZQWxlzKITs1deblZTCPqhSEpuv-YEBRYXe2-mOyFcjqrm6Pw/s1600-h/The%252520Scoop%25255B9%25255D.jpg" style="color: #909674; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="The Scoop" border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UD6oHIJ_d2Ct5n9maI9xVlOJj5NtkVbfoAYCcDeUuH6AhSIpgxh6TGJ6LrUJgGIUUEuQs9CmKdOMgvtI1YsS2D5kQracL-p1ubuJkanoKDeMbh-TXjUs8grmgdOcJe64Z4eOAAhTdXhZ/?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding: 5px;" title="The Scoop" width="220" /></a><br /><br /><a name="more"></a><br /></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">More exposure + less time = win win!</span> </div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuakQmFNHElLN5fC9CkZyii4Cv11T3E1YE2Upx8Wl6yIFliCuobgRhVVQiQDWYHeVbjO3LneGXsC-bhgHUi1peqM8bboboEJJrnVZKT3_U4v5um2nPpucxzrvFcM_MoZiH8VjhyvSssig/s1600/1491309_10201436972824933_1298053703_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuakQmFNHElLN5fC9CkZyii4Cv11T3E1YE2Upx8Wl6yIFliCuobgRhVVQiQDWYHeVbjO3LneGXsC-bhgHUi1peqM8bboboEJJrnVZKT3_U4v5um2nPpucxzrvFcM_MoZiH8VjhyvSssig/s640/1491309_10201436972824933_1298053703_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> We are </span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Anita from <a href="http://www.cedarhillfarmhouse.com/" style="color: #909674; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Cedar Hill Farmhouse</a></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="font-size: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Debbie from </span><a href="http://confessionsofaplateaddict.blogspot.com/" style="color: #909674; font-size: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Confessions of a Plate Addict</a></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">and Barb from <a href="http://www.everydayhomeblog.com/" style="color: #909674; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">The Everyday Home</a> </span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></span><span style="font-size: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Yvonne from <a href="http://www.stonegable.com/" style="color: #909674; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Stone Gable</a> ...</span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></span><span style="font-size: 12px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Suzy from <a href="http://www.worthingcourtblog.com/" style="color: #909674; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Worthing Court</a></span><span style="font-size: 12px;"> </span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our host this week is Yvonne at <a href="http://www.stonegableblog.com/" target="_blank">StoneGable</a>.</span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsORQmsoyQ4zWG6gjnau1mLeQjRnE87xey_XMAGSiGssWiR3O_RHJzPQe3m1KeZsY_O5ygGIKW15RXZC6s0-8WBbEEdrmYrhehv-n3SYaTSf3zJCzIMrd5seMCm8QQi1Otip0rsqx9MJmg/s1600/Picture+for+the+scoop.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsORQmsoyQ4zWG6gjnau1mLeQjRnE87xey_XMAGSiGssWiR3O_RHJzPQe3m1KeZsY_O5ygGIKW15RXZC6s0-8WBbEEdrmYrhehv-n3SYaTSf3zJCzIMrd5seMCm8QQi1Otip0rsqx9MJmg/s200/Picture+for+the+scoop.png" width="165" /></a></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hi Everyone! Hope you are decking your halls and Fa-la-la-ing as you work like busy little elves to get ready for Christmas... and in all the frenzy I hope you stop and take time to remember the reason for the season!</span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This week at StoneGable I'll be putting final touches on all things Christmas and setting my Christmas Brunch table and filling up the coffee bar... I want to be ready for my very favorite day of the year... Christmas EVE!!!</span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love the calm of that morning and the bustle of family coming home in the afternoon and going to a candlelit service in the evening, and giving all the kids (who are way too grown up, but oh well) their night-before-Christmas-pajamas under the lit tree and staying up late to watch It's A Wonderful Life with my hubby, Bobby!  Yes, Christmas Eve has been my favorite day of the year for decades!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Make sure you stop by StoneGable this week for all the fun Christmas posts!</span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's what you can expect this week at StoneGable...</span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IUjyawToZzmgxL8BIcQUcC22Pb5RYUoUjcSzmD-ueF6cUfKxjvlUrPRl59OdS6dqi4NEWfbKACLNcRVUnEQR4F8s-iuJpxVHo_Baii0Fynl_-iGig7hQd8BYnvKQTwS91f0eUZsABkOj/s1600/Upcoming+Posts+12-15-stonegableblog.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IUjyawToZzmgxL8BIcQUcC22Pb5RYUoUjcSzmD-ueF6cUfKxjvlUrPRl59OdS6dqi4NEWfbKACLNcRVUnEQR4F8s-iuJpxVHo_Baii0Fynl_-iGig7hQd8BYnvKQTwS91f0eUZsABkOj/s640/Upcoming+Posts+12-15-stonegableblog.com.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">I'm so thrilled to introduce our guest host this week... the talented Kristen from<br /><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><a href="http://sophiasdecor.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">SOPHIA'S DECOR</a><br /><br />Kristen has a beautiful blog, filled with gorgeous images and lots and lots of creative and brilliant ideas.<br /><br /><a href="http://sophiasdecor.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">SOPHIA'S DECOR</a> is loaded with ways to live and create beautifully without spending a fortune... it only looks like she did! I have been following <a href="http://sophiasdecor.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">SOPHIA'S DECOR</a> since it started and I always leave so inspired! I hope you will too!<br /><br />Now let's meet Kristen...<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMn7aZJZYPbts6q_J_nz_5_50Qsmp2fqv0qVi0z5J4lzY-I9pF_3frGSYufKOE0hhcijugOkGlFX7pMD69EyLaQCd9FmCa8xgW5zIWfOlPc0svBXzJ7rY-DvvULiDTPX00yBGQFe27VxQ3/s1600/IMG_1267_t450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMn7aZJZYPbts6q_J_nz_5_50Qsmp2fqv0qVi0z5J4lzY-I9pF_3frGSYufKOE0hhcijugOkGlFX7pMD69EyLaQCd9FmCa8xgW5zIWfOlPc0svBXzJ7rY-DvvULiDTPX00yBGQFe27VxQ3/s320/IMG_1267_t450.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hi everyone!  I'm Kristen from <a href="http://sophiasdecor.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Sophia's Decor</span></a> and I'm so excited to be here guest hosting "The Scoop" this week!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">    <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvmZIFYfFoKvIMn6-Jdg1rIaqvwtLBlHvVE6VuMuq4GqJgo_pcycKS9Z97Mc-PICSlZoJ98yKKTKyJq7M-k-t5_1H2nCTfKomCUpzlMJl45vUwv7610GjHfxt0kYq0Juw82ReekW0fxcd/s1600/SophiasHeaderFlat_Aug2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvmZIFYfFoKvIMn6-Jdg1rIaqvwtLBlHvVE6VuMuq4GqJgo_pcycKS9Z97Mc-PICSlZoJ98yKKTKyJq7M-k-t5_1H2nCTfKomCUpzlMJl45vUwv7610GjHfxt0kYq0Juw82ReekW0fxcd/s640/SophiasHeaderFlat_Aug2012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm a farm girl from Washington State and now a mother to three girls.  I started re-habbing/painting furniture and selling my creations and vintage goods at local shows about seven years ago, but began blogging about two years ago after relocating to North Carolina.  I blog about decorating on a budget as well as sharing furniture painting tips to jewelry-making.  I'd love to have you stop by and say "hello"!   It's getting closer to Christmas and if you are still looking for decorating or baking ideas, there is so much inspiration and talent out there.  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I can honestly say that it was very difficult to pick 5-6 favorites from hundreds of great ideas and beautiful projects from last week!  I hope that you find inspiration from some of these features that caught my eye.  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">First up, take a look at Mallori's Christmas Home Tour from <a href="http://repurposedvintagefinds.blogspot.com/2013/12/christmas-home-tour.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Vintage Finds</span></a>. I love the fresh greenery and classy look that she's added to her home for the holidays.   </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftSPIdNeVofzXykbhOqbO7vwH_yEDHvmwrVmaBAWq3N2KacjVQL2eex7oKz-bzZubA0He_yXBYQHW9jxRpHF2VV0OhqMfc-cDbq9lkJ3YPTm6lQB_6RdsB0M9qytKG0SRsx1lMANwVKTD/s1600/Vintage+finds.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftSPIdNeVofzXykbhOqbO7vwH_yEDHvmwrVmaBAWq3N2KacjVQL2eex7oKz-bzZubA0He_yXBYQHW9jxRpHF2VV0OhqMfc-cDbq9lkJ3YPTm6lQB_6RdsB0M9qytKG0SRsx1lMANwVKTD/s1600/Vintage+finds.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Next up, these adorable Gingerbread Cookie Trees from Maria at<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://shopgirlmaria.blogspot.com/2013/12/gingerbread-cookie-tree.html" target="_blank">Shopgirl</a> </span>make me want to get baking!  What a creative way to use a set of stacking star cookie cutters!   <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJ97K9wJxiUmX6eQCCfsEMKm9ITCU9lZBJ1zKpRFtqkk5MBI-W9BpiMWiwC-iofDld_GyPTQYyAZrrPFwrqmiv4X0qfJ7UjoEBqVGlNxpVj30qeBYiAWnVMR9riZ2-oiq3oJQSS9yZNxo/s1600/gingerbread+tree+cookie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJ97K9wJxiUmX6eQCCfsEMKm9ITCU9lZBJ1zKpRFtqkk5MBI-W9BpiMWiwC-iofDld_GyPTQYyAZrrPFwrqmiv4X0qfJ7UjoEBqVGlNxpVj30qeBYiAWnVMR9riZ2-oiq3oJQSS9yZNxo/s1600/gingerbread+tree+cookie.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Need an idea for a small gift for co-workers, teachers, or friends?  Shannah from <a href="http://www.justusfourblog.com/2013/12/scents-season-dried-fruit-potpourri/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Just us Four</span></a> shared her recipe for Scents of the Season made from various dried fruits, etc that can be packaged up for the perfect little gift.  I can almost smell it through the computer screen...   </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMsQ8suACxGjGz1rNoEh8JN7KRj04QyjSWK9IToURmBnCZvHv9n4r6j53l4zVxL1urwdyDx7n0IPslb_jX46hYjZBWjMgDuDJENPKzaRgl9oNboTqoDhMYk0bfneWOivXH5sLbEv85dUb/s1600/Dried-Fruit-Potpourri-on-wood_wm-1024x636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMsQ8suACxGjGz1rNoEh8JN7KRj04QyjSWK9IToURmBnCZvHv9n4r6j53l4zVxL1urwdyDx7n0IPslb_jX46hYjZBWjMgDuDJENPKzaRgl9oNboTqoDhMYk0bfneWOivXH5sLbEv85dUb/s1600/Dried-Fruit-Potpourri-on-wood_wm-1024x636.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Leslie at <a href="http://gwenmossblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Gwen Moss</a> shared her beautiful "White Christmas with Red Accents" and it is stunning!  I love her attention to detail and all the little touches she incorporated into decorating her dining room for Christmas.  She has a beautiful blog and I plan to spend some more time exploring it!   </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrq5TlZIaUuF6-IKDR3GkIXWFsQHhYx079RLRGvH-0OkIZjWrz14vcQIVccRVd2DRGMRadLlz-DHg_r1Dm4dYCN5yE9onayU40YGqm-rRDbel77B8wTNaUAgwpxLTgE0qyySgSTiqK_O8/s1600/White+chrismtas+red+accents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrq5TlZIaUuF6-IKDR3GkIXWFsQHhYx079RLRGvH-0OkIZjWrz14vcQIVccRVd2DRGMRadLlz-DHg_r1Dm4dYCN5yE9onayU40YGqm-rRDbel77B8wTNaUAgwpxLTgE0qyySgSTiqK_O8/s1600/White+chrismtas+red+accents.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another Christmas home tour that knocked my socks off was from Doreen at <a href="http://www.hymnsandverses.com/2013/12/2013-christmas-home-tour.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Hymns and Verses</span></a>...  Every room (from her kitchen to her porch) is perfection!  Make sure you visit this one...   </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjalxv2yNL47jH9-1NFjttBhCuardhyphenhyphendR7ttfD-EFxrFoTN94vCnw_g3-YZGDWWIDVbgsJvRfE5AlecTGKYs09Zt_fF8kSkJZpS8qzpG_RUrRNpimiQ-zCO63OBtsvi9u4zIh-H5E3Oj81V/s1600/Christmas+Reindeer+Canvas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjalxv2yNL47jH9-1NFjttBhCuardhyphenhyphendR7ttfD-EFxrFoTN94vCnw_g3-YZGDWWIDVbgsJvRfE5AlecTGKYs09Zt_fF8kSkJZpS8qzpG_RUrRNpimiQ-zCO63OBtsvi9u4zIh-H5E3Oj81V/s1600/Christmas+Reindeer+Canvas.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lastly, Mary from <a href="http://homeiswheretheboatis.net/2013/12/05/decking-the-halls-in-the-potting-shed/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Home is Where the Boat</span> is</a> has the most wonderful potting shed that she decorates for the seasons.  Check out how she "Decked the Halls" of her potting shed this year...beautiful!   </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_nTs-zs2OXupwscFby9XU-lUbDQABiC6UcGCN3n02YlhNpicND6dYWKdiBOTYPoyjr6eGXhvYcGoTwVhaCdJfFrRimQ6WTDoXGeBtaIvxzJT8ttcSD0toYR5SUl5hhJdbB1cDZZ_Tqae/s1600/potting+shed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_nTs-zs2OXupwscFby9XU-lUbDQABiC6UcGCN3n02YlhNpicND6dYWKdiBOTYPoyjr6eGXhvYcGoTwVhaCdJfFrRimQ6WTDoXGeBtaIvxzJT8ttcSD0toYR5SUl5hhJdbB1cDZZ_Tqae/s1600/potting+shed.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />It's been fun being part of "The Scoop" this week!  It's been an honor to select features from such talent!  <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks so much for hosting with us this week, Kristen!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Please read the guidelines before participating:</i></span></div><ul style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;"><li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Follow and/or subscribe to your host blog.</li><li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Be sure to include THE SCOOP button or text link to in your linked post...mandatory to be featured!</li><li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">By linking up you are agreeing that the photos are yours or that you have permission to use them, that we may use those photos to feature your project on a blog post, Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter with a link back to your blog, of course.</li><li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Please go to the source of a photo to pin it to Pinterest so that the originator of the post gets the credit.</li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=215022" type="text/javascript"></script></div>

WELCOME TO THE SCOOP #97

Welcome back to The Scoop The weekly linky party featuring the scoop on the best posts from around the web! More exposure + less time = wi...

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WELCOME TO THE SCOOP #97

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