Merry Christmas!

I have way too much fun with this every year ...

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/GQtwKEnhyYbACoGl?cmpid=ey_url

Merry Christmas!!  :-)

Book Review - Killing Lincoln

I just got finished reading Killing Lincoln by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard last night.  It took me about 3 days to finish.  The entire book is broken down chronologically and covers primarily March 4, 1865 - April 26, 1865 in 276 pages.  It is an in depth look into the assassination of President Lincoln.  I have to admit that my knowledge of Lincoln's assassination was very textbook .... He was shot in ford Theater by John Wilkes Booth.  I am ashamed to say that was about the extent of it.  I wouldn't call myself a lover of history; I don't read historical books with fervor.  I wanted to read this book because of a recommendation of a family member and I thought it would be interesting to learn more about this important time in our history.  That being said, I couldn't put the book down.  It really is a thriller.  The battle scenes are so vivid that you find yourself wanting to look away.  Yes I know it is a book.  I kept having to to remind myself that it is a true story.  It is written with details about not only how Booth's plan was hatched but also describes the others that are (or may have been) involved in the plot.  The questions about conspiracy are raised but ultimately not answered.  The truth died with those involved.  Who knew that there was so much to this dramatic, history changing story?  Not me! 

It is very interesting to see the reviews on Amazon.com for this book.  It either gets one star or five.  And it is about 50/50.  If you read the reviews, you quickly realize that people either love or hate Bill O'Reilly and the reviews are more about that, than the book.  That being said, I am sure that there are some inaccuracies in this book.  But, I doubt there are more than any textbook in the public school system.  As with any book, if it being used for school purposes, it is always good to use more than one resource.  Only the Bible is infallible.
Overall:  Great book if you are interested in reading more about this changing time in history.  I'm kinda hoping that he comes out with a kids version because my son would love to read this. 

Christmas is Not Your Birthday

I read this on a blog this week and it really stuck with me.  How many people look at Christmas as their birthday?  We all know that it is the birth of Jesus yet we receive gifts like it was our own birthday. 

Shouldn't Jesus be the one that receives gifts on His birthday?  How do we give gifts to Jesus? 

We decided to have a family meeting last night to talk about what we could do to celebrate Jesus' birthday.  The kids were excited and impressive with their thoughtful ideas.  We ultimately decided to sponsor a child through World Vision. What's a better way to give a gift to Jesus than to help a child in need?

⁴⁴ “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’  ⁴⁵ “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’
Matthew 25:44-45

 ⁵ “And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.
Matthew 18:5

Does your family have a special way to give a gift to Jesus?