[Billie]

[Billie]

With the holiday season in full swing and Christmas fast approaching, I asked a Few of Our Finest to set some of their finest Christmas tables to present throughout these next few weeks. Each one has chosen her own theme, and no one else has seen it. Today our featured guest artists are deadhead and tuliptree76.

I hope you enjoy and appreciate their beautiful Christmas offerings. It's always rewarding when we have our Finest' contributions, but never moreso than during the Christmas holidays.

Thank you, Colleen and Tulip!

[StarCMC]

Beautiful!! Thanks for the ping Billie!! *HUGS!*

[tuliptree76]

The thread turned out really nice, Billie!

Beautiful table, Colleen!

[The Mayor]

December 6, 2005

Choose Your Alliances Carefully

Read:
2 Chronicles 18:28-19:3

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. —2 Corinthians 6:14

Bible In One Year: Acts 26-28

The Star Alliance is an affiliation of airlines that seeks to maximize passenger benefits. If you're traveling on a member airline, you can accumulate frequent-flyer miles after transferring flights and enjoy faster check-in. The Alliance's Web site calls it "a more civilized way to fly the world."

But not all alliances are mutually beneficial. In 2 Chronicles, we read that Ahab, the wicked king of Israel, formed an alliance with Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, when they joined armies against Syria. Why did Jehoshaphat establish this foolish bond with Ahab?

No reasons are given, but we know why Ahab encouraged Jehoshaphat to put on his kingly robes while Ahab disguised himself for the battle. He knew the Syrians would try to kill the king. The opposing army surrounded Jehoshaphat. He cried to the Lord for help and God diverted the troops. Despite Ahab's treacherous scheme to save his own skin, he was killed by a stray arrow.

Although Jehoshaphat escaped, Jehu the prophet confronted him, saying: "Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord?" (2 Chronicles 19:2).

Helping people in need is godly. But making unwise alliances with those who hate God may prove disastrous.

Be sure to choose your alliances carefully. —Albert Lee

It is good to join hands with the righteous,
Helping others you meet on your path;
But to make an alliance with evil
Will incur God's displeasure and wrath. —Hess

Right and wrong can never be partners.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
Knowing God Through Proverbs

[DollyCali]

What a wonderful treat to come here & find this treasure! thanks to you three ladies for the lovely work. Beautifully done tables & great content.

Right now I can't stay. VERY cold here. I could not work the space heaters downstairs w/o blowing circuits. trying to get heating man, who also can get us plumbing back hopefully going to get a fireplace fire going for a bit to take off the edge in house of cold. Mom's room is still tolerable although not what she likes

Biggest concern now for me is Toby's foot. Got a chance to look & it is major cut all across (and deep) on the tow pad in front. I have let Oliver's smaller toe pad cuts heal naturally but this is larger & deeper. my vet is unfortunately NOT close. Will need to prolly make a heat or vet decision. and the vet will win.

[PreviouslyA-Lurker]

Great job!

[jwfiv]

A truly lovely thread ... thank you, ladies ... )))

One good thing about all this controversy re: Christmas ... I'm more aware of, and in, the Christmas spirit than ever.

Went to a Christmas party last week ... when greeted with "Happy Holidays", I made sure to respond with a hearty Merry Christmas and a pat on the back.

I'm one of Santa's secret agents.

[Mama_Bear]

Thanks for your contributions, deadhead and tulip, and for posting them today, Billie. I think it makes it really special when we invite others to share their talents here, and Christmas time is a prefect time to do this.

I might just try making one of those wreaths. :-)

Brought some flowers for our Finest table.

[luvie]

Y'ALL DID SOOOO GOOD AND THE TABLES ARE SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL!!!

[jwalsh07]

Very nice. I'm impressed and I don't impress easy. :-}

Feeling better btw.

[deadhead]

P.S. Love your pledge graphic :-)

[LadyX]

My apology is extended for being M.I.A - engrossed in a Priority Project, making something special for my sister.
We plan to travel to where she is in an Assisted Living facility (@ 120 miles away) on Thursday, leaving before dawn, and hope to return by evening.

Making something *very unique* for her in adddition to creating two small photo albums of our travels and memories to have at hand, as well as an assortment of other 'prizes.'

If able, I'll try to post a Dear John letter Thursday night, but with heavy rain all over predicted for that day, that's a "maybe"...

Hugs to all!