Happy Birthday Jesus!

And now the whole reason I get to have so much fun and celebrate Christmas. Jesus. He deserves all the glory and honor. Don't forget that while you open gifts and eat your Christmas meal it's all happening because Jesus deiced that you were worth receiving the gift of his life. Don't ever forget about it. Share the story of his wonderful entry into earth with your family or whoever you are spending time with.

Thank you so much for joining me this year! You are one of the reasons I do this countdown. So thank you! Merry Christmas and Happy New year! Oh and my all your days be merry and bright!

With love,

Janell

#janellschristmascountdown

It Is More Blessed

Look at that smolder!

Today's blog I would like to dedicate to my brother Justin, whose birthday is today! Happy Birthday bro! May this next year be grand! Love you! 

1 day! No way! 

I love buying gifts for other people. One of my favorite memories of buying gifts is when I was when my brother, sister and I were little. We didn't have any money but mom would take us to Walmart and we could shop for each other. She would give us a price limit and she would turn us loose in the toy section. I remember Justin, Janae and I looking through the toys trying to find the perfect gifts for each other all the while trying to keep secret what we were gong to buy. We would use our coats too cover up them up. Ha sweet memories! Now that we are older we can go to the store by ourselves we have our own money (excluding Joy) but we still have fun shopping for each other.

My brother likes to give me gag like gifts for my present! If we have shared a joke throughout the year then you can count on it being my gift.

Here is what Justin has gifted me the last three years:

1. Angry bird plush toy
2. Thor action figure
3. Toothpaste dispenser

And Christmas will only tell what this year I will get!

What was your favorite gift you ever gave or received? I would love to hear about it! Comment below!

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."- James 1:17 

Christmas Stockings

2 Days! "Did I really fit in here?"

Ah Christmas stockings (or Christmas socks)! They come in all shapes, sizes, colors and themes. I probably wouldn't really care either way for them had I not been handed to my parents in a big red socking as a newborn. I was born on Christmas and someone thought it would be cute to put the Christmas baby in a stocking. Haha So they did and it was totally cute (I mean come on why wouldn't it be?)

These days I don't fit in this stocking, so now every year we just hang it up! It's a little family tradition. Every family has their traditions, some serious, silly, sentimental and just plan crazy. What are some your your favorite Christmas traditions? Do you have a favorite stocking? #janellschristmascountdown

A Christmas Problem

3 Days My Friends!

Today I'm going to get real with you. I'm going to invite you behind the scenes into my heart and head, and share with you what I'm really feeling.

The last few days it just hasn't felt like Christmas. What? Did the Queen of Christmas just say that? I told you I was going to get real! But it's true, and I want to find out why. Because it kinda sucks.

I was thinking what could cause me to feel this way? I thought of a few good reasons that I could blame for this. For starters, it could be the freakish 60 (F) degree weather we are having (FYI that is extremely abnormal here in Oklahoma this time of year). But then I remember that most of the world isn't cold with snow during Christmas.  

So then I thought it could be that we haven't done our traditional Christmas Church activities and haven't been to any festive parties? Then I discarded that one too...it wasn't the real reason. 

Could it be that I haven't had my fill of Christmas drinks and cookies? Ha, no that certainly not it! Oh  or it could be that I have only seen 3 Hallmark Christmas Movies this Holiday season? Nope I don't think that's the reason either.

Well I guess I need to dig deeper...I refuse to blame the little things that I think "make" Christmas for my un-Christmasy feelings. So what could it be? Why do I feel this way? Why don't I "feel" like it's Christmas? Where is the joy, the excitement...the child likeness. 

That's it...child likeness. As we grow older the danger of loosing our child likeness also becomes greater. As adults we have responsibilities, things we have to get done...we are just so busy!

I really noticed the answer to my Christmas problem when I observed my sister and her friend Kasey. They decided not to "adult" the whole week they were together. As I watched them I realized that my "adult life" was creeping in to rob me of my child likeness. I was so serious and busy in comparison to them. It really felt strange and now it makes me laugh!  

Now hear me out, I'm not saying that being an adult is bad and we should just shrug all of our responsibilities and act like kids. I'm talking on more of a Spiritual, inner being level.

We are all supposed be like children in faith. Jesus said that unless we become like little children you don't enter the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 18:2-10). So if we aren't like a child we can't operate in the kingdom and really Christmas is a big part of the kingdom. For the Christmas spirit to really be felt I have to be a kingdom child. 

So I realized my Christmas problem really isn't limited to Christmas time at all. On a spiritual level I was just too "old". I was letting the weight of the world rest on my shoulders instead of giving them to Jesus to carry. I was overloaded! I wasn't resting on Jesus. Kingdom Kids have peace, they are worry free and have unwavering joy. They know that their heavenly father has it all under control. And I needed the reminder.

I was seeing Christmas through adults eyes, when really Christmas is best seen through a child's.

Maybe you've felt the same way... If so, join me in remembering that Kingdom Kids really do have all the fun because their heavenly Daddy backing them up.

So now that I remembered to be like a child I feel better. I let those un-Christmasy feelings go. Because really who as time for that?! Haha When we let the child inside out we see Christmas and everyday life in all it's glory. 

#janellschristmascountdown

See you tomorrow!

Where The Light Is

Ekk 4 days away folks!

Oh my goodness! The smell of Christmas is of my favorites! Cinnamon & clove ahhhhh. It's warm and lovely! I also love the warm light they give off. I love to sit down wrapped up in a blanket with my Christmas drink have a candle lit in a darkish room. It's so relaxing

There is another Christmas light that I just love! And that is Jesus. In a world of darkness the most beautiful pure light came to earth.

The world layed in darkness…it had been since Adam and Eve sinned. Can you imagine when he entered the earth. Meditate on that. Darkness was what the world knew, it was it’s life. It once knew what it was like to have light. It was really a distance memory. But now it’s here! Totally slicing through the thick darkness. Ha! That’s Jesus!

He is the light of the world and forever will be! What's neat and completely mind blowing is that He puts his light into us. Are you letting his light shine in you? His light is unstoppable.

So when you go to light your Christmas candle remember that the world was laying in darkness and just like how you light a match is light was on the scene ready to rid the earth of darkness.

Post a picture of your favorite Christmas candle and a bit of your reflections regarding today's blog. Don't forget to  hashtag #janellschristmascountdown so I can see!

Chocolate Dreams

5 days my friends! 

Ok lets talk hot chocolate! This stuff is amazing! There are so many different kinds of hot chocolate. One of my favorite kinds to drink is a Mexican-style hot cocoa that's called"Abuelita" from Nestle. This is so yummy, it has a little different taste to it that makes it stand out!

Nestle Abuelita Hot Chocolate

Go to the store and get your Nestle Abuelita Hot Chocolate Tablets. Once home, melt 1 tablet in 1 cup of milk over medium heat. Stir with a whisk for 3 minutes or until tablet is dissolved and your hot chocolate is deliciously frothy! Note: if you want really fast and simple some stores carry the powder packets like other hot cocos. Follow the directions on it's box)

Image from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abuelita

Optional toppings and add ins: Peppermint mocha creamer (or any creamer), whipped cream, cinnamon sugar, sprinkles, marsh mellows, caramel and/or chocolate drizzle, candy canes, chocolate or peanut butter spoon and coffee! (of course I wouldn't all of these at the same time)



What are your favorite add-ins and toppings? Do you even like hot chocolate?

Wise Men

7 Days! 

Todays post will be on a video! After you watch it grab your Bible and read the story for your self. Drink it in!

(Video is only on Facebook at this time)

See you tomorrow!

Christmas Miracles

8 days! 

I think all Christmas shows have a common theme and that in each one a Christmas miracle happens. Something that just could not even happen, happens. And I love it! You want to know why? Ok I'll tell you!

Because that is what this whole holiday is about. One miracle from heaven. It can be found in Matthew 1:18. Go grab your bible, favorite Christmas dring and turn there and see for yourself.

"A virgin will become pregnant…By the Holy Spirit" Um yeah…So if you didn't know, that is kind of impossible. A virgin who has never even had sex with a man is going to give birth to a son….but not any son…the son of her God. *boom* Mind blown! Really let that sink in. We hear this story every year…but don't let the power and the awesomeness of God fade into the back ground. The Gosple is so, mindblowingly awesome.

This was going to be the very first Christmas miracle (yeah I know you though it was the miracle on 31st street)! Mankind was going to receive a gift so so precious.

Today reflect on this miracle, grab your fav holiday drink and Bible to read Matthew 1:18. The whole bible is breathed of God. Every part holds power.

If you happen to take a picture of your little mini Bible study be sure to hash tag #janellschristmascountdown cause I want to see and taking pictues is just fun!

I'll Be Home For Christmas

Oh my goodness!  9 days!

1 Peter 3:18 "Christ suffered for our sins once and for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God He suffered physical death, but he was raise to life in the spirit."

It was on Christmas night that Gods plan to have a family again was finaly started. When Jesus was born I'm  sure the fathers heart must have burst with joy knowing that in just a few years (well 33) that his family would be together again. As I started thinking about how the father must have felt to know that he could be with his kids again….it brings me to tears. His heart ached to be near his kids. And now it was happening.

It's like the story of the prodigal son. The young son left, he made a choice to leave his father, just like Adam and eve did. But the Fathers never gave up hope because he loved his family so deeply.

God wanted a family for Christmas. Wow ok still crying here. He wanted you in his family. He didn't want extra servants. He has a ton of those.   He wanted a family.

If you aren't apart of Gods family then now is the perfect time. It's crazy how the father welcomes us back. He doesn’t care what we have done, or how long we have been gone. He is ready for you with open arms and the greatest gift…his son…and a place in his eternal family.

If you aren't in God family all you have to do is make a dission to do so. Invite God into every part of your life. Invite his preacence and peace to wash over you.

It's so wonderful….now you can say "I'll be home for Christmas" and it wont just be in your dreams…it's a reality that you can walk it.

Much love my family! 

If you share my countdown be sure to use my hash tag #janellschristmascountdown !

Cookie Cutter Christmas

10 day until it's Christmas all day long!

I think one tradition in our house is making sugar cookies. All the fun cut outs and icing and sprinkles! A few years ago we found a ugly Christmas Sweater Cookie Cutter! So cute right?

We use the same recipe every year and they always turn out great! Last year was the first Christmas that I went gluten free. So I experimented with the same recipe and was pleased to find that they were good! Remember in my "Add A Little Punch To Your Life" post I shared "my" punch recipe from the cook book my mom made? Well this recipe come from my cousin Candace ( or my Aunt Marci!) who also was a small child when the cook book was made. Candace have you made your cookies lately?

Candace's Sugar Cookie

1 1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar
1 Cup Butter
1 Egg
1 tsp. Vanilla
1/2 Almond Flavoring (if you have a nut allergy you can use another kind of flavoring)
2 1/2 Cup Flour (Or your favorite Gluten Free Blend. I suggest using one that already has Xanthium Gum already added)
1 tsp. Cream of Tarter
1 tsp. Baking Soda

Cream the sugar and butter. Add the egg and flavoring; mix thoroughly. Sift dry ingredients together and stir in. Refrigerate 2-3 hour. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Divide dough and roll out on a lightly floured board. Roll thin but thick enough to pick up the design in the cookie cutter. Dip the cutter in flour before each cutting. Bake 8-10 minute. Frost with icing and have fun decorating!

If you make these wonderful cookies post them and don't forget to hashtag #janellschristmascountdown

See you tomorrow!

Meet Me Under The Mistletoe?

11 Days! EKKK! HAHA

Hope is one of the themes of Christmas right? Haha Someday I'll get my kiss and ride in a one horse open sliegh with my prince! 

But in all seriousness Christmas is a season of Hope. And not a silly kind of hope. This hope we can hold on too and never let go.

The savior of the world was foretold a king that would set everything right. The prophets of old prophesied about the one who they wouldn't live to see. But they had an unshakable hope.

One of my favorites parts in the bible about hope is found in Luke 2:25-38 go grab your bible, favorite Christmas drink and read it! Go on! 

Oh what a wonderful story! Simeon had a promise from God and so since it took place his hope was secure in God and his promise. And the widow Anna, once she saw Jesus the rest of her life she told people about the messiah, the hope of the world.

Christmas is the time of Hope. You can dare to hope. Don't get tried; don’t let the world shake you. Your hope in God cannot be shaken.

Read over the story again and really let it sink in. and be encouraged that the God of all hope will not disappoint. Simeon held the promise, the hope, of the world in his arms.

#janellschristmascountdown

Christmas Cards A Plenty

12 Days Until Christmas People of Earth!

Christmas cards! They are just so pretty! Glitter, beautiful landscapes and so so much more! But what do you do with them when Christmas is over? I believe there are about 3 kinds of people when it comes to Christmas cards:

1. The Sentimental 

This person has cards from when Jesus was born.  The cards are never thrown out. They have stacks and stacks of them! The cards are in a box in the closet and that is where they will be….Until the end of time.

2. The Tosser

These people look at the card read the card and then since they have looked at it and read it why should they keep it? So sad to break the news to you but your beautiful card goes to the dark Christmas Future (that’s death if you haven't seen the Christmas Carol).

3. The Crafter

This person can't let something so pretty go to waste. They will take your card and make a little box, place mats and/or new Christmas cards for next year! But I do have to say your sweet families faces is now with group number two...again sorry...

I think I fall right in the middle of 2 and 3... well and 1....but mostly 2 and 3! HA-HA! 

Now no matter where you fall in these categories I would LOVE to send YOU a special Christmas card! All you have to do is send me a facebook message (if we are friends), or email me at royalty.janell@gmail.com (if we are not friends) with your full name and address! And I'll get these pretty cards sent your way! Thats it!

Also if you are up for another little Christmas Challenge here is it.  I want you to find a pretty card and I want you to send it to someone you haven't seen or talked to in a while. Basically someone who wouldn't already get a card. It will be fun for them to receive a sweet message. I mean who doesn't like to receive a hand written card? It will totally make their day!

Don't forget to share this with your friends and to use the hash tag #janellschristmascountdown on Facebook and Instagram! 

See you tomorrow!

Not So Random Kindness

AH! 13 Days until Christmas all Day!

If you didn't know this time of year is also a time for birthdays! My brothers birthday is on Christmas Eve and my birthday is on Christmas Day. So it's extra busy but my awesome parents make it work every year.

On my 21st birthday my parents had a surprise party for me and it was one of my favorite birthdays to date. The reason it was my favorite was that a handful of my dearest friends and I followed a map (made by my parents) and did intentional random acts of kindness (already thought up) in a near by city. We did everything from singing Felize Navdaid to Chick-fil-a staff to bringing toys to the children's hospital to helping the cart man at Walmart put the carts away. It was a blast!

So day I what to give you a Christmas challenge! Go out do an random act of kindness before Christmas is over. Christmas is supposed to be about giving, caring, joy and selflessness. God gave and so should we! And I promise it's so fun!

Here are some ideas that you can do:

1. Hand out gift cards ( like $10 to a gas station, coffee shop, grocerie store etc.)
2. Give Christmas cards with an encouraging note inside to random people(ask Holy Spirit what it should say and who to give it to).
3. Give a homeless person a cozy hat, warm gloves or a thoughtful care package.
4. Make some goodies to give to law enforcement, firemen; people who serve us everyday.
5. Pay for some one's coffee or meal (this really does bless people!).
6. Ask the bell ringers if they want something hot to drink or a snack. Then go buy it and give it to them (don’t forget to put a few cents in their bucket). This is one of my favorites to do!
7. Give the person at the check-out counter a encouraging word from God.
8. Tip your waiter or waitress well above the normal rate.

The list could go on forever! Do this with your friends, family or just by yourself. Remember have fun! I promise you this is a blast! Now don't forget to do his with a smile on your face and the love of God all over you. Be genuine, love that person like crazy. 

A few rules to make this more fun : The whole point is to be kind and spread the love of Jesus. Don't give expecting something in return and don't be showy when doing it (people see right through that).


And a litttle extra tip: If you want to make this a witnessng tool go for it! Just make sure that your motive it pure love. Like don't do something kind of nice, then give them a track and say a quick "Jesus loves you" (there is a place for those). 

My point is that Jesus lives in you. If you feel like that person needs saved lead them with love to the Father right there. If they need healing don't wait for a slow song on a sunday moring. Heal them right in the resturant. If they are going through a hard time don't wait to light a candle for them. Pray right there in the coffee shop. Love them. See them. Know them. Love is powerful and true love cannot be ignored. Love is never, ever wasted. Do that, and you will see a life changed by love...and that is fail-proof witnessing.

Romans 12:9-10 "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."

Once you go out and do one of these or your own I would really like to hear about your experince! You can use the hash tag #janellschristmascountdown on Facebook and Instagram I'll be able to see it. Love you all! 

See you tomorrow!!!!

A Very Crafty Christmas

14 Days Until Christmas People!

I have the most creative and gifted friends on the planet! They are the ones who can actually pull off a Pinterest craft with no problem (I know for a fact that some of us just can even). One of my dear friends Madeleine is one of those super crafty amazing people. And I would love to brag on her for a second.  Look what she made me! A beautiful fox snow globe!

It's so cute...and FOXY! 

(The world wide web is full of DIYs and tutorials to make these, but I thought this one  (  http://www.classyclutter.net/2014/11/diy-mason-jar-snowglobe/ )  was really cute! )

And then last year she showed me how to make ornament wreaths! If you want a really great Christmas craft this one is one of the best in my opinion. 

Just getting started!

They are super fun and easy to make! They are worth the time and money (especially if you get a lot of your supplies at the Dollar Tree...you know 'cause everything is a dollar?). Most DIY blogs say to use glass ornaments. This works great if you hang this is a very safe place. I used plastic and was super glad I did (a house with 6 people and 2 dogs...stuff breaks and did...don't worry, easy fix!).

Aren't they lovely!

Another crafty person is my sister Janae! This year she discovered that she loves to paint with water colors.  Check out this beautiful watercolor:

Peace On Earth

Now what is super awesome about this water color is that you can win this! Just simply comment below with what your favorite Christmas craft is and you will be entered! The winner will be announced tomorrow on my blog! This giveaway is open to everyone (Yay for all of my International friends)! If you are having trouble commenting just comment on Facebook on instagram or wherever you saw the countdown picture! 

The snow globes and wreaths are a lot of fun to make! Grab a girl friend, sister, brother, husband…just go grab someone and make something together! Enjoy each others company!  Don't worry if it turns out looking like something totally different, have fun! Crank the Christmas music and put the kettle on for some hot coco!

When you make your crafts use the hash tag #janellschristmascountdown so I can see and don't forget to share!

All Wrapped Up

WOW! Just 15 days until Christmas!

Today we shall talk about wrapping! I love to wrap presents; it's a true art! Every year I always make the same lame joke:

"This white girl can't rap, but this white girl can wrap!"

Haha but for real, it's true! 

Normal families wrap their gifts, write the receivers name on them and then put the gift under the tree. Sweet, simple and trusting...and it's a total surprise on Christmas Day. Well, my family is not normal (Shocker right?). 

You see there are certain people in my house who like to solve a little mystery. They have the crazy ability to pick up their gift and guess what it is. And then to make matters worse they try and guess what's in your present. So to fix this problem my mom had to get smart. Now instead of our names there is a code on the gifts. 

You read right. Our gifts are coded. CODED. And every year the code is different. You never know whose gift it is, unless you break the code. We haven't seen the code for this year yet...however our track record isn't very good. I'm not sure we have yet to figure out one code yet (My parents are smart). But I'm totally ok with that though, I love a surprise! 

Do you have to do anything like this to keep your family out of the gifts? Have you even wrapped your gifts yet? Last year I already had my gifts wrapped...this year I'm not even done shopping yet! *Gasp!* Please share on Facebook and Instagram! Don't forget to use the hash tag #janellschristmascountdown !

See you tomorrow for more Christmas fun!

A Cozy Christmas Craft

16 Days Until Christmas!

"And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the inn." Luke 2:7

Now if Mary's home town would of had a Hobby Lobby or a Walmart near by she may have stopped in and bought a crochet hook and some pretty yarn, and made Jesus a Christmas afghan on the donkey on the way to Bethlehem .

OK so probably not but had she known that a place like Hobby Lobby existed she would have.

Since Marry didn't get a chance to make one, this year I decided that I was going to make a Christmas afghan…well I was actually in the yarn aisle and the Christmas colors were calling out to me saying "Buy us! Take us home! We are beautiful!" and well...I gave into the voices...And those little yarn bundles were right! It made a lovely Christmas afghan! 

You can make one too! I followed these videos on how to make a granny square  (it's super easy I promise).

And then I used these lovely colors to create my "Cabin Christmas" afghan:

Red Heart Holiday Yarn: Aran-Gold (3)
Caron Simply Soft Party Yarn: Chocolate Sparkle (2)
Red Heart Super Saver : Hunter Green (2)
Red Heart Super Saver : Burgundy (2)

Now the wonder of the granny square is that you can create it how ever you want! I turned my squares on this one to make a diemond shape. But you can mix small squares and big squares for a really neat looking afghan! This will affect how much yarn you need to buy.

Oh and feel free to use non Christmas colors (gasp…did I say that?) too!

I'm am not a pro when it comes to this kind of stuff. That being said, I know you can do this one because I can! This is a great thing to work on when your watching a Hallmark Christmas special or waiting for your Christmas cookies to bake!

If you decide to make one post a picture of you working on it and use the hashtag #janellschristmascoundown and I'll share them here on the blog!

See you tomorrow for a sepical Christmas Challenge!

We "Belize" You a Merry Christmas Part 2!

17 days to Christmas day folks!

Our trip to Belize was so good! Like I said before this was the first time I had been on a mission trip during Christmas time. So since I had never been in December I had no idea what Christmas was like down there.

All of the stores have Christmas decorations such as lights, ornaments, all kinds of different and unique to me Christmas trees, dancing Santa's and a few other fun things. 

I loved driving in the villages at night, because a lot of homes had Christmas lights!

My Youth Christmas Party was a hit! They loved it! We had a worship service, I gave a word about what God wants for Christmas, we played a silly reindeer game (found here: http://intelligentdomestications.com/2013/12/christmas-party-games.html ).

Then I had a photo booth set up (that was one of their favorites!) and then we had Christmas goodies like Little Debbie cakes, Christmas cookies, candy canes and hot chocolate(all of which I brought with me). Then we watched the movie "Elf" in Spanish and they laughed all the way through!

One of my Friends down there said that his favorite part was the food! 

Then the next evening was the Christmas Mother Daughter Tea and that was really special! We wanted to serve and honor these woman and girls. So the whole night was us loving on them by serving them hot tea and cookies and then giving them gifts. Then we played the reindeer game again with them and it was hysterical! I think they had more fun than the youth! Then we each shared a little message that was on our hearts for them. It was really special. The woman were so touched.

Thank you all for praying for our team. We not only had a blast throwing Christmas parties but God showed up big as always in the meetings and then where ever we stopped. People were healed and divine appointments happened the whole trip. God is just so good! 

So again thank you for covering us in your prayers!

See you tomorrow, for more Christmas fun! #janellschristmascountdown

"I've Always Loved The Christmas Lights"

18 More Day Until Christmas

As a kid I can remember driving around with my family and seeing Christmas lights on the outside of the houses. As we have gotton older we rate the houses, as to which ones we liked best. As for me I love tasteful and uniformed Christmas house lights. What are your favorite kinds? At our house my mom is probably the one who loves them the most. She loves the lights on our house!  It's not just my mom though, I love them too (who do you think I get it from?)! 

There's just something about light shining in the darkness. I can't put my finger on it. There is just something about light. The Bible says that darkness can't come close to figuring out the light. Light is powerful! 

"The light shines in the darkness; and the darkness could not comperhend it." -John 1:5

As I looked at the lights this year it was like they were declaring something wonderful. I have never thought about that until now but I think they have always had a message. 

I think our lights might be saying:

"Hear Ye! Hear Ye! The Savior of the world has come to break the back of darkness! He is our King forever! Be merry and celebrate! Tell everyone you know! We are no longer slaves! Our King is here! Merry Christmas!"

Or ya know, something like that! What do your lights say? Have you even thought about it? Snap a picture of your lights post them to Facebook or Instagram with the hash tag #janellschristmascountdown and share with your friends what your lights say! I'll re-post some of my favorites here on the blog.

Every picture was taken by me 
using a timer on my camera
and sometimes I wouldn't 
make it in time!