God's Roadmap

Now may the Lord Jesus Christ and our Father God, who loved us and in his wonderful grace gave us eternal comfort and a beautiful hope that cannot fail, encourage your hearts and inspire you with strength to always do and speak what is good and beautiful in his eyes (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 TPT).


Saturday, July 10, 2021

Christmas in July with a Giveaway


 by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Yes, it’s still six months until Christmas! But I know stores will have the decorations on the shelves along with the school supplies soon, so I am getting a little head start.

I am working on a Christmas devotional book. It won’t be ready for some time yet, but it gets me in the holiday mood. And thinking about December may help cool off hot bodies during the summer heat. Take a mind trip and visualize snow. Or even better eat a snow cone and pretend it came from outside.

If you need more help getting in the spirit, the Hallmark Channel started their Christmas in July marathon on the 9th

One of my favorite holiday memories was the Christmas when I was eight-years-old. The movie, Blue Hawaii, with Elvis Presley had been released in 1961 when I was in first grade. I loved Elvis and couldn’t get enough of that movie. I envisioned a trip to Hawaii to see him on those escapades with all those girls. I planned on surfing with him.

As a third-grader, I didn’t realize he wasn’t still there. So much for childhood fantasies.

But that Christmas of 1963, my dad did some dealing/trading with one of his friends and I ended up with a new stereo system under the tree. Along with the LP of Blue Hawaii, of course. (I still have it!)

Chubby Checker’s Twist album was there too, so I spent the afternoon twisting with Chubby and singing with Elvis. Eight-year-old heaven.

God gave us His Son and He taught us how to give of ourselves to Him and to others. While some of our memories involve what Santa brought or how we celebrate, our most important reason to rejoice is because Jesus is the reason for the season. Our greatest gift is the life He provided through His sacrifice. And one thing we can do as Titus 2 women is to create an atmosphere that reflects the redemption He bought.

This week as a thank you for commenting and subscribing to Navigating Life’s Curves, I am hosting a giveaway for a $10.00 Amazon gift card. An early Christmas present to you.

The link to my former email hosting site got broken. After I changed subscriber services, I am back to square one on building my subscriber list.

So if you previously subscribed to this blog before March, 2021, thank you so much. You may still be receiving the weekly blog posts in your inbox. But in order for me to send your prize if you win the drawing, you need to sign up again with the box to the right of this post because I no longer have access to former email lists.

The time frame for the drawing will be Sunday, July 18 – Sunday, July 25, 2021 midnight EDT.

All those who leave comments and/or have signed up with the new link are entered. If you have done both, you get two entries.

Again, thank you so much for your support. I welcome comments and suggestions about topics you would like to read about.

Join the conversation and share your favorite holiday memory.

TWEETABLES

Christmas in July and a Giveaway (click to tweet)

Our greatest gift is the life Jesus provided through Hissacrifice. And one thing we can do as Titus 2 women is to create an atmosphere thatreflects the redemption He bought. (click to tweet)

 

 

15 comments:

  1. Katy Kauffman7/12/21, 8:26 AM

    When I was in Brazil, people recognized Elvis' name and lit up when they heard it. I'm from Memphis, and they didn't recognize the city name. Just his!

    I'm sorry about your email list. I love hearing about God's character and why we can trust Him. The topic of perseverance. And how to love people.

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    1. I had a similar experience, Katy. I was in a remote African village when Michael Jackson died. The next day, I was shocked to discover the people there knew not only who he was but also that he had died.

      Barbara, thanks for reminding us of the reason Christmas is worth celebrating even in July!

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    2. Katy, thanks for that tidbit of trivia about Elvis. That shows how his name went all over the world but not where he was from, lol. Thanks for the topic suggestions and for stopping by and sharing. Blessings!

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  2. Hello unknown. I don't know who you are but thanks for sharing your thoughts. When events happen that affect famous people the times are embedded into our minds and we remember where we were and what we were doing. I can remember when President Kennedy was shot. I was just a child, but that memory has stayed with me. Blessings!

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  3. Christmas is perfect any time of the year..😁 I'll check to be sure I'm still subscribed

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    1. Yes, Christmas is perfect any time! Thanks you, Jeanne. Blessings!

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  4. Sorry about your list. What a creative way to recover. God bless!

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  5. So glad you provided another opportunity to subscribe, Barbara. I had stopped receiving notifications of your blogs. I subscribed! I'm with Jeanne, we can celebrate Christmas at any time. I enjoyed your Christmas memory. I liked those Elvis movies, too.

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    1. It is frustrating, Katherine, when this technology doesn't cooperate. Thanks for stopping by and sharing. Blessings!

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  6. My mother loves Elvis and my kids do, too! :) His music spans the generations.

    I'm so sorry to hear about your email list, Barbara. Hoping this leads to a quick recovery!

    Blessings,
    Tammy

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    1. Tammy, I think Elvis' music will always be around. I still love to listen too. Thanks for the encouragement and for stopping by. Blessings!

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  7. I'll try re-subscribing! (not necessary to enter me in the contest)

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    1. Thanks for continuing to try. I appreciate tour faithfulness. And I am glad to enter you in the drawing. Blessings!

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  8. Katherine Pasour is the winner of the Amazon gift card. Congratulations, Katherine. I will contact you by email with your prize. Blessings and thanks for your support!

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