It's a Smouse!!!

The release of my first Christian storybook, The Schoolhouse, gave me the opportunity to speak at a women's event at Calvary Church in Charlotte, NC on December 1st. I taught about the value of abiding in Jesus and His Word, and then read the "pre-Christmas story", I Love Ruthie, written and illustrated by Phil A. Smouse, as an example of what remarkable things God can do through a life closely attached to Him.

A funny thing happened as I signed books afterwards! The majority of the women stood in the long line, not to buy my book, but rather to ask, "What is the name of that poem about Ruth and where can I get it?" Over and over and over, I said, "Google: I Love Ruthie, a children's book by Phil A. Smouse." 

Two weeks later, the church secretary emailed me saying, "Thank you for speaking at our Christmas Tea. By the way, what is the name of that Ruth story, and where can people get it?" 

After emailing this amusing account to Mr. Smouse, he kindly replied and included one of his lovable drawings with The Schoolhouse cleverly embedded in the artwork. J

                           Thank you, Phil A. Smouse!

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Jesus by Priscilla

A few weeks ago, I met a lovely, up-and-coming young artist, named Priscilla Wadsworth, with an amazing talent for sketching pencil portraits and commissioned her to draw her rendition of Jesus Christ in Revelation 3:20:

         “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.”

         Although this passage is often used to invite nonbelievers into a saving relationship with Jesus, this verse was actually penned to Christians at the Church of Laodicea – a people performing good deeds but, tragically, with lukewarm hearts - hearts that somehow had cooled from their once close, warm fellowship with the Savior.

         Jesus reprimanded them, “I wish that you were cold or hot! So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth” (Rev. 3:15b-16)! Then, He implored them to please let Him back into their lives, restore fellowship, and rekindle the flame of love for their Lord and others.

         As we hustle and bustle through this Christmas season, let us take time to hear the voice of Jesus, sit with Him, commune with Him, and keep our hearts ablaze with love for Him and others! After all, He is the reason for this season!

                              Happy Birthday, Jesus!

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Breadcrumb Trails

“He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:3b)

When we follow our great Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, we remain on the right path: righteousness, love, purity, freedom.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy (John 10:10a)! Be on the alert, Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour!” (1 Peter 5:8)

Beware of straying from the good path and following the enemy’s breadcrumb trails that lead to danger, destruction, entrapment, captivity: sin.

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your Word (Psalm 119:9). Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path!” 

(Psalm 119:105)

Let us saturate our spirit and soul everyday with the Word of God to walk in His ways!

“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:32)! Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God (truth, righteousness, gospel of peace, faith, salvation, Sword of the Word, and prayer), so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil (Eph. 6:10-11). It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery (Gal. 5:1)! But in all these things, we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us!” (Rom. 8:37)

Go forth into the world, mighty man or woman of God, and rescue multitudes trapped in darkness!

“Have mercy on some, who are doubting, save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear…” (Jude 1:23)

 O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant!

Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and 

                          everywhere!

Go tell it on the mountain, that 

                         Jesus Christ is born!

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Greystone Antiques

  Greystone Antiques
     5475 Highway 280
     Birmingham, AL  35242

    Now selling
         The Schoolhouse



(Don't forget the book signing at Homewood Toy & Hobby this Saturday, Dec. 8th from 1:30-3:30 PM. See you there!)

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Book Signing Sat. Dec. 8th

    The Schoolhouse

 Book signing  this Saturday!






                        Homewood Toy and Hobby

                               2830  18th Street
                         Birmingham, AL  35209

                                     Saturday, December 8th, 1:30-3:30 PM

I would love to meet you and sign your copy of The Schoolhouse - the perfect Christmas gift for children and adults, as well. See you Saturday!

                                                                               Merry Christmas!

                                                                                              Jill 

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Christmas Joy

        What robs your joy during the Christmas season – disappointments, financial stresses, loneliness, busyness, painful memories, or even just being grumpy? In John 15, Jesus taught that He is the Vine and believers are the branches. Furthermore, if we will abide in or stay closely attached to Him, His Word, and His love, His joy will be in us and our joy will be full! The joy of the Lord does not depend on outer circumstances but rather the inner heart of lovingly serving others and helping them attach to Jesus!

         Before you were even born, God knew your name. He knew you (and I) would make mistakes; He knew we would sin. Since the payment for sin is death and separation from God forever, He loves you and me so much that God sent His Son, Jesus, to pay that death penalty for us. Over two thousand years ago, Jesus died on a cross in your place so that you may receive forgiveness for your sins and the free gift of never-ending, eternal life with God.

         I pray that you have a personal relationship with Jesus. I hope you talk to Him through prayer, listen to Him through His Word, and trust Him daily to meet your every need.

         If you don’t have that close friendship with Jesus, please hear me carefully; God wants you close to Him, and He has a Christmas gift for you today. It’s a FREE gift of GRACE – God giving what we do not deserve and cannot earn. He said to take His gift of forgiveness of sins and eternal life by faith and belief in His Son, Jesus.

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,

so that you will abound in hope by the power of

the Holy Spirit!” (Rom. 15:13)

May you walk through this Christmas season closely attached to Jesus,

and may you have a JOYFUL, JOYFUL Christmas!

(Jill Glassco, author of  The Schoolhouse)

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