Monthly Archives: November 2015

12 Voices of Christmas | Memories That Last

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Our family loves to find things that draw our hearts closer to Jesus during the weeks before Christmas. We would like to recommend one of those to you—The 12 Voices of Christmas by Back to the Bible.

At least fifteen years ago, maybe more, we listened to the 12 Voices of Christmas when Back to the Bible did it as a special radio broadcast in December. We enjoyed it so much that when they came out with it on a CD, we purchased that.

With the CD, we began a new family tradition. We would find an available evening in December to drive around Kansas City looking at Christmas lights while listening to the 12 Voices of Christmas. We continue to keep that tradition even though all our children are now grown.

Hearing the whole story of the events from Scripture surrounding Christ’s birth with an emphasis on Him being the Messiah from the perspective each of the key players, fills our hearts with joy.

For a period of time, The 12 Voices of Christmas wasn’t available at all, but now Back to the Bible has allowed Titus2 readers to listen to it as a free download.

Trusting in Jesus,
Teri

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“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son
is given: and the government shall be upon
his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful,
Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6

12 Voices of Christmas Order

Alright, y’all. Sarah here. Here is the order you’ll want to listen to the audio.

  1. Gabriel
  2. Zacharias
  3. Elizabeth
  4. John
  5. Mary
  6. Joseph
  7. Angels
  8. Shepherds
  9. Anna
  10. Simeon
  11. Herod
  12. Wise Men

Happy Cousins

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After our family lunch today, I was grabbing a picture of Anna Marie for a post she’s doing (watch for it!), and the girls wanted a picture too. So, here are the Maxwell girl cousins minus Calia (who is traveling with her parents).

Love,
Sarah

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And this little guy is as cute as can be! Personality galore.

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“But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid
them not, to come unto me: for of
such is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 19:14

Wednesday in Pictures

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We seem to frequently get requests to share recipes. So, Wednesday, I worked on photographing a 7-layer salad we love. Watch for that recipe and step-by-step instructions.
We seem to frequently get requests to share recipes. So, Wednesday, I worked on photographing a 7-layer salad we love. Watch for that recipe and step-by-step instructions.
Teri Maxwell, Mary Maxwell, and Anna Maxwell
Happy girls in the kitchen.
Mary making Oreo pie.
Mary making Oreo pie.

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Anna making pie crust. Don't worry. We did have pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving too.
Anna making pie crust. Don’t worry. We did have pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving too.
We girls did a mini photo-session for Christopher's family.
We girls did a mini photo-session for Christopher’s family.

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
Colossians 3:17

Thanksgiving 2015

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Happy Thanksgiving!

The Maxwell Family
L-R, Sarah, John, Anna, Mary, Jesse, Mom, Dad

Our family is thankful for the Lord Jesus Christ. How does one adequately express their feelings to the One Who gave His life for ours to save us from hell? His sacrifice is a gift, and it’s offered to those who will receive Him. Romans 5:8: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” 

After four years of each person sharing things they were grateful for on Thanksgiving, I decided to change things. Using a random drawing, I paired people up. Now you’ll hear what they’re grateful for about another family member.

All pictures haven’t previously been seen on the blog and were taken in Colorado this August.

Dad (by John)

Steve Maxwell
Steve Maxwell
  • I am grateful for Dad’s business knowledge. Not only has he tremendously helped my business, but he has also coached many other business owners—helping them to be very successful.
  • I am thankful Dad is my dad. He is generous, loving, encouraging, and patient. He loves the Lord and always puts his family first.

 

Mom (by Mary)

Teri Maxwell
Teri Maxwell
  • I am so thankful for who Mom is in my life. She is always ready to listen, give a hug, or offer a word of encouragement.
  • She has a very big heart for the Lord. Although I often hear her talking about what the Lord has been doing in her life, she also shows it with her heart to serve, memorize Scripture, and pray.

 

Sarah (by Jesse)

Sarah Maxwell
Sarah Maxwell
  • I’m grateful for Sarah’s willingness to help out whenever she sees a need. She recognizes opportunities and is quick to jump in and assist with whatever may be going on.
  • I’m thankful that Sarah takes so many great pictures. I think she does a great job posting some of them and saving them all for memories. She has learned a lot about how cameras work and takes some wonderful pictures.

 

John (by Sarah)

John Maxwell
John Maxwell
  • I’m grateful for John’s genuine servant’s heart. Even if he’s busy, he’ll notice a need and cheerfully jump right in to meet it, regardless of the inconvenience to him personally.
  • I’m grateful for John’s love of little children. He values them and enjoys spending time with his nieces and nephews.

 

Anna (by Mom)

Anna Maxwell
Anna Maxwell
  • I am very grateful for Anna’s beautiful servant’s spirit. She is always willing to help, and sometimes that means sacrificing what she would most like to do.
  • I am also grateful for Anna’s joyful yet steady, levelheaded personality that allows her to remain calm and encouraging even in difficult situations.

 

Jesse (by Dad)

Jesse Maxwell
Jesse Maxwell
  • I’m encouraged and grateful for Jesse’s love for and quick understanding of Scripture. He’s a delightful participant in our family Bible time.
  • I’m grateful Jesse has a love and concern for the unborn and unloved which is reflective of our Lord’s heart.

 

Mary (by Anna)

Mary Maxwell
Mary Maxwell

  • I’m grateful for Mary’s love. Whether it’s a kind word, positive outlook, lending a cheerful hand, or just sharing Jesus—Mary has a very soft spot of love that touches everyone she’s around.

  • I’m thankful for Mary’s diligence and commitment. She determinedly jumps into opportunities whether difficult, tedious, easy, or enjoyable with her whole heart.

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts,
to the which also ye are called in one body;
and be ye thankful.”
Colossians 3:15

Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes Finished!

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It’s with great joy and anticipation that our Operation Christmas Child (OCC) shoeboxes are filled and will be taken to our local drop point this morning!

Today is the last day to drop the boxes off, so check for a location near you if you’ve forgotten to do so.

Although we don’t have a final cost per box yet, it is a lot less than other years. It’s like the miracle of the loaves and fishes!

Anna and Mary shopped throughout the year for sales. For example, after Resurrection Sunday (Easter), they bought candy (not chocolate) and stuffed animals for heavily discounted prices. They found knit stocking caps for $.10 earlier in the spring. At the end of the summer, they bought flipflops on clearance. At back to school time, they purchased notebooks and pencils for a great sale. In between holidays and events, they checked the clearance aisle at Wal-Mart, along with keeping an eye on Amazon for special deals. Anna also bought yarn from Joann’s when she received a $5 off coupon, again making it hardly any cost. So if you receive a $5 off coupon to a store, think again before you decide it’s not worth buying something!

Then, last week, we girls went shopping to round out the boxes. Since boys 10-14 are probably less-purchased for, and our desire is for them to have items that would be useful in a life skill, Anna and Mary bought tools at Harbor Freight.

So make it a family project, and start collecting for next year! Most of all, pray for those who will receive your gift and hear the good news of the Gospel!

Love,
Sarah

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We had several $5 off coupons at Kohls and used them to purchase toys for little boys, hardly paying anything for them!
We had several $5 off coupons at Kohls and used them to purchase toys for little boys, hardly paying anything for them!

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As I finished this post, I couldn’t help but add this picture of Melanie and her kiddos yesterday afternoon before they dropped off their boxes. The joy of giving continues!

“For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth;
the poor also, and him that hath no helper.”
Psalm 72:12