December 2014

www.bonniewalkerministries.org

Merry Christmas! We Love You Jesus!!!

Parenting Tip Children are constantly “wanting.” As parents, our job is to temper their desires & teach them Kingdom values. It’s better to give than to receive, etc.

One of the best ways to do that is to give your child the most valuable gift … YOUR TIME!!!

It’s the gift you won’t regret spending!

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. “ – Luke 2 --

Mommy Moments Favorite Christmas Mommy Moments: Gifts to Jesus!

With so many children through several decades of Christmas’, it would be impossible ot decide my favorite Christmas. But, I can tell you what my favorite Walker Tradition is.

Nothing says Christmas at our house like giving our gifts to Jesus on Christmas night! We all gather around the coffee table where a candle is lit representing each child (& the families of those that are grown). The Christmas Story is read from the Gospel of Luke, along with a couple of other books thanking God for Jesus. We sing Christmas Carols and Happy Birthday to Jesus.

Then a HOLY thing happens. Our friend, Holy Spirit, envelopes the eintire room as each family member opens their gift for Jesus that year. The children can be very creative with their gifts. Some make us smile, but others bring tears to our eyes. Whatever the gift, the time is forever written on our children’s hearts and on mine!

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Bonnie Walker Ministries December 2014

Children’s Spotlight Just a few of the gifts given to Jesus for His birthday over the years:

Olivia: A picture of her being Mama’s little helper

Elijah: A candy cane to remind him to be sweet for Jesus

Janiah: Gave her Heart to Jesus

Daniel: A Bible to remind him to read his Bible more

Noah: A puzzle … to invite Jesus to put his life back together

Joel: A stick representing a stick-shift to help him control his anger

Menorah: Paint to symbolize her desire for Jesus to paint something beautiful with her life

Adam: His decisions … to let God help him make wise ones

Gabe: A cup to invite Jesus to come fill him up

Lydia: Scripture Col. 3:23-24 … a reminder to dance for Jesus and not for others

Rebekah: Gave the year of 2014 to Jesus

Ruth: A compass … depend on God to direct her life

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Bonnie Walker Ministries December 2014

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Are you thinking about Christmas yet? Are you thinking of all the extra work (especially since you’re weary already)? Or, are you wondering where on earth you are going to get the extra money to buy all the gifts that you are expected to buy? Are you dreading all the cooking and decorating and partying? I can’t wait until it’s over! SCREECH!!!

Hold the brakes! That’s NOT Christmas! It’s not supposed to be a nightmare! Wake up! Wake up! Those things are NOT Christmas and it’s not what Christmas is all about.

Honestly, my wearying thoughts have been heading down that road. And, I could excuse myself by saying, “I’ve helped Santa 37 years (which is at least twice or three times as long as normal)!” But, that would be an excuse.

Holy Spirit reminded me tonight that I am suppoed to view Christmas, Jesus’ Birthday, through the eyes of a child. They don’t see the extra work it takes to decorate! They only see the twinkle of the lights reflecting in their sparking little eyes. They don’t see the bills…

From My Heart To Yours

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Bonnie Walker Ministries December 2014

MORE “FROM MY HEART… “ … all they know is that it’s Christmas, and on Christmas morning their Daddy will take time to play with them and their new toys. To a child’s heart, it’s the magic of being together, laughing and sharing with those they love.

No wonder Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matt. 18:3 NIV)

I think we could take that a step further and say, “unless we change and become like little children, we will never enter the true spirit of Christmas!”

Yes, it’s been commercialized, dramatized, and sensationalized! And, I can’t change that … or can I?

If I draw a circle and step into it declaring, “as for me and my house, we will celebrate Christ this Christmas!” … maybe, just maybe, God’s love will spill over onto those around me!

You know what? LOVE changes things! LOVE changes people! That’s what Christmas is about. Jesus’ love … changing a world, one precious soul at a time. Will you let Him change you? Will you let Him change your world?

My prayer is that you have a very Christ-filled Christmas!

Love and prayers,

Bonnie

P.S. All He wants for His Birthday is YOU!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY…

Jesus !!!