Free Children's Printable Thanksgiving Scriptures

I'm pleased to offer you a free children's printable with 8 different Thanksgiving scriptures. They are business card size and are perfect for little hands to hold, or perhaps you'd enjoy printing them out for yourself. They are available in either New King James Version (NKJV) or New International Version (NIV).

You can download below by clicking on the link for the version you'd like. These are free for personal or ministry use. Just download, print and cut.

Click here for NKJV Thanksgiving Scriptures

Click here for NIV Thanksgiving Scriptures

Use for Sunday School, tuck in Thanksgiving cards, put around your home, carry in your purse, laminate before cutting for sturdier cards, punch a hole - tie with ribbon to make a booklet, homeschooling. Lots of possibilities. I'd love to see what you do with them. Feel free to send me pictures littlebirdieblessings@gmail.com

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God Looks on the Inside

For the Lord does not see as man sees;
for man looks at the outward appearance,
but the Lord looks at the heart.

1 Samuel 16:7b

There are probably very few of us who actually see ourselves as beautiful, stunning specimens that God created, just so others could gaze on our beauty. I think as women, for the most part there are sections of our bodies we feel may need more of this or less of that.

Having worked in a school system for many years in the past, and having 10 grandchildren. I've been exposed to lots of innocent comments about personal features I have that might be a little different to them. It's not that I have two heads, however if there's an imperfection, they will most likely point it out. A recent encounter was with two of my youngest grandchildren who apparently had never seen me with wet hair. Turns out, they didn't like it. In fact, after sitting on my lap and staring at me for a bit, my 2 1/2 year old grandaughter climbed down and said "Nana, your hair . . . is so very wet".  Yes indeed it was.

By the same token, children notice when there is something they like about us that's new or different. For example - "I like your new skirt Nana, is that what you wear to birthdays?"

Regardless of how we appear to others; tall, short, thin, plump, skin imperfections, big feet, pretty or plain. God made us exactly as He wanted us to be. He looks at our heart and searches it, knows the motives for what we do and why we do it.

Obviously we all probably make an attempt to be presentable in our appearance, but more important than that is putting time into making sure our hearts are pleasing to the Lord.

I love the section of this verse from Daniel 1:8  that says "Daniel purposed in his heart" ~ But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; He decided to do what he thought would be most pleasing to the Lord.

For the Lord does not see as man sees;
for man looks at the outward appearance,
but the Lord looks at the heart.

1 Samuel 16:7b

Have a blessed day my friends. 

Free Download Christmas Tags ~ Children & Bells

I have a gift for you - a free downloadable sheet of Christmas tags. There were made from some of the vintage Christmas postcards in my collection. They picture a boy and girl's face in a bell. The download will not have the words across the center. Just click on the link below the image, print on cardstock, cut, and punch a hole for string. These are free to you for personal use, not for re-sale please. I hope you enjoy them.  ~ Abby ~ 

Free Printable Tag Sheet ~ Bells

Thanksgiving Encouragement

Do not be anxious about anything,
but in every situation,
by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6 NIV

Praise, O praise our God and King;

Hymns of adoration sing;

For His mercies still endure

Ever faithful, ever sure.

Praise Him that He made the sun

Day by day his course to run;

For His mercies still endure

Ever faithful, ever sure.

~Henry Baker, 1861 ~

Feel free to use the above graphics in your artwork or on your blogs or webpages. A link back is appreciated but not required. Have a blessed day my friends.

The Prayers of a Humble Man

Be assured, if you walk with Him 

and look to Him, 

and expect help from Him, 

He will never fail you.
~George Muller~

Just who was this George Muller that spoke the wise words at the top of this post? One of the greatest prayer warriors, history has known. His complete and total dependence on God not for just his own personal provisions, but for thousands of children he housed and educated over the years.

George Muller 

George Muller: (1805 – 1898), a Christian evangelist and Director of the Ashley Down orphanage in Bristol, England, cared for 10,024 orphans in his life. He was well known for providing an education to the children under his care, to the point where he was accused of raising the poor above their natural station in life. He also established 117 schools which offered Christian education to over 120,000 children, many of them being orphans.

Then you will call on me 
and come and pray to me, 
and I will listen to you. 
You will seek me and find me 
when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:12-13 NIV

Have a blessed day my friends.

Dress A Girl Around the World

Some of you may have heard of the charitable organization Dress A Girl Around the World,  you can find them here:  http://www.dressagirlaroundtheworld.com/

Donna, blogs at Brynwood Needleworks and started the ball rolling as a collection site for people who would like to participate in making these dresses. Her first deadline has passed but I believe she's going to be doing this again. I was inspired to make a dress and send to Donna.

I looked through my stash for the brightest and cheeriest fabric I could find and came up with what you see above. There are little angel faces among the flowers of the fabric, and the bright green pockets have tiny little fish on them. The pattern uses bias tape on the armholes. I've never had a good friendship with bias tape and was apprehensive about using it. I have to say, I think we are going to get along just fine. I added a row of yellow rick rack which I think makes it pop a bit. 

The most important part of making this dress is the little girl who is going to wear it. I prayed for her and thought about her in it, putting her little hands in the pockets. I'm happy that I could participate in this and perhaps will make some more.  The tutorial I used to make this dress was found here: Pillowcase Dress Tutorial  I'm a visual learner and liked the way the instructions and pictures were shown.

If you'd like to participate, visit the site Dress a Girl Around the World for more information. 

Thanks for visiting my blog and/or following by email.  Have a blessed day.

Abby

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.  Matthew 25:40

Mothers of Influence

The mothers mentioned below are just a few of the many examples of a Proverbs 31 woman.

Proverbs 31:30 refers to a woman who "fears" the Lord.  This is not referring to the type of fear we think of today.  Websters 1828 dictionary explains it well: the fear of God is a holy awe or reverence of God.

Susannah Wesley

Susannah Wesley (1669 – 1742) mother to 19 children and famous hymn writer Charles Wesley (wrote over 9,000 hymns), as well as John Wesley, a great preacher of his day.  Mrs. Wesley prayed one hour a day for her children, and could often be seen with her apron over her head – a sign to her children that she was praying.   She also set aside individual time for each child to teach them spiritual things.  A mother of influence teaches her children to pray.

Mrs. Graham with her son Billy

Morrow Coffey Graham (1892 – 1981) prayed that her son would become a world-renowned evangelist and taught him to trust God and believe the Bible.   Her prayers were answered for her son Billy Graham, preached to more people than any other evangelist.   She never stopped praying for him until the day she died.  A mother of influence prays diligently for her children.

Amy Carmichael

Catherine Jane Carmichael (unknown – 1913) taught her daughter Amy Carmichael to love and trust God for all her needs.  Amy later became a very famous missionary to India, rescuing thousands of girls from a life of abuse.  She was known as the mother to the motherless.  A mother of influence nurtures her children and releases them to God’s care.

Mercy Crosby mother to Fanny Crosby (born 1820) was totally devoted to her only daughter.  Blinded in infancy, Fanny was taught the Bible by her mother and grandmother.  She committed much of it to memory and became one of the most famous hymn writers of all time, writing over 9,000 hymns. Her mother was a firm believer in prayer and taught Fanny the same.  Because of her mother and grandmother’s influence, Fanny’s hymns have blessed millions of people.  A mother of influence devotes herself to her children’s needs.

Well known women’s Bible teacher and author Elizabeth George says:  You and I as parents must always be praying hope for our children regardless of their age or stage in life. In fact, this is yet another one of God’s “missions” for moms and dads: We are to be diligent prayer warriors. We are to do battle through prayer on behalf of our precious children. Pray for their spiritual growth into a man or woman after God’s own heart as your calling, your mission assignment from God. 

Commit to doing your part
 and trust God to do His!  ~ Elizabeth George ~

For those who do not have children, reach out to children or young women who need a mother's influence in your circle of family and friends.  One can always pray for them if nothing else.  

Have a blessed day.

This post may be shared with some or all of the following link-ups.  TellHisStory, The Art of Home-making Mondays, Mondays Musings, Roses of Inspiration, Growing in Grace Thursdays, Word Art Wednesdays, Counting My Blessings, 

National Day of Prayer

Today is the National Day of Prayer, a day that calls for prayer for our country. You can find out more about it **here**

Let's flood heaven with our prayers today.

 

The Simple Things

This sweet little girl is happy despite her simple surroundings. A reminder that material items do not make for contentment of the heart. 

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
Colossians 3:2

Have a blessed day friends.

A Cheerful Heart

I was privileged to play the piano yesterday at the funeral for a dear man from our town. He was known for his quick wit, humor, and positive outlook in any situation. We're told in Proverbs 17:22:

A cheerful heart is good medicine, 

but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

His cheerful heart was indeed an example of good medicine to everyone he encountered.  He had the ability to turn any frown upside down, and turn any sad day into a glad day.  He will be missed, not only by his family and friends, but by the many, many students he impacted over his 15 years of substitute teaching.

A cheerful heart really does make a difference.  Try it today, not only for yourself, but for someone would benefit from having their spirits lifted.

Therefore encourage one another
and build each other up,
just as in fact you are doing.
I Thessalonians 5:11

I hope you have a cheerful day.

Contentment

When you accept rather than fight your circumstances,

 even though you don't understand them,
you open your heart's gate to
 God's love, peace, joy,
and contentment.
  ~ Amy Carmichael ~ 

For I have learned
in whatever state I am,
to be content

Philippians 4:11b

Very Sweet Thanksgiving Graphics for You

Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name;
Make known His deeds among the peoples!
Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him;
Talk of all His wondrous works!
Psalm 105:1-2

I hope you enjoy today's free Thanksgiving graphics.  These are vintage postcards from my collection.  As we are in the season of Thanksgiving, join me in focusing on the blessings of each day.  Some days you have to look harder to find them, but they are there. 

My greatest blessing yesterday was spending time with one of my grandsons.  We were in the big W superstore, and he was singing for about an hour in the back of the cart "The B-I-B-L-E, yes that's the Book for me" (now her comes the fun part when he does he own 3 year old rendition of the words) ... "I stand up on the words of God, the B-I-B-L-E, BIBLE!" 

I bet he sang it over 75 times in various capacities, voices, motions, etc.  I never tired of hearing it.   What has been one of your blessings recently? 

Blessings to you dear ones.

Thanksgiving Blessings & Free Graphics

For all the blessings of the year,
For all the friends we hold so dear,
For peace on earth, both far and near,
We thank Thee, Lord.

For life and health, those common things,
Which every day and hour brings,
For home, where our affection clings,
We thank Thee, Lord.

For love of Thine, which never tires,
Which all our better thought inspires,
And warms our lives with heavenly fires,
We thank Thee, Lord.

For All the Blessings of the Year
Albert Hutchinson, 1913

Hope you enjoy the free vintage postcards and the Blessings Hymn.  Have a wonderful day.  

A Worthy Cause ~ Operation Christmas Child

Have you heard of Operation Christmas Child?  It's a wonderful organization that turns the simple act of filling a shoebox into a dream fulfilled for a child who has nothing.  It is a division of Samaritan's Purse, which is run by Franklin Graham.  You can find more about it **here**

Source: Operation Christmas Child

Our church has been participating for a number of years now.  Last year we had 60+ shoeboxes, and this year I believe we will surpass 100.  You can order boxes from Samaritan's Purse, use a clear shoebox size tote, or cover a shoebox with wrapping paper (wrap lid separate).  

There is a larger church about 45 minutes from us that acts as a collection site for the shoeboxes.  There, they begin their journey into the hands of a child.  My grandsons who are 3 and 5 years old, each pack a shoebox with their parents.  They learn at an early age not everyone has what they do. 

Below is a picture of some of the ladies from our church preparing to deliver to the collection site.  My friends Judy and Sheila, and my mother on the far right.

 

I read on their site, "You can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone".  Take a look at this pinterest board by Operation Christmas Child, just look at the happy faces of the children who received a gift.  You can view it **here**

Operation Christmas Child ~ Smiles Around the World

If you'd like to pack a shoebox, you can find everything you need to know **here**.   If you are local to me and would like to participate through our church, just let me know.   You can check their website for a drop-off location near you.   National collection week begins November 18th. 

I'd suggest for a boy or girl ~ something soft they can cuddle with, such as a beanie baby, or a small soft doll or stuffed animal.  Bright cheery colors, things that sparkle or glitter; things that make noise such as a harmonica, school supplies, flashlights, hair bows, jewelry. 

For more ideas you can view the Operation Christmas Child Pinterest Board **here**. 

Since they began in 1999, Operation Christmas Child has delivered over 100 million shoeboxes to needy children around the world.   At their headquarters, each shoebox is inspected and the gospel message in their own language is included. 

The scripture graphic at the top of this post says:

Verily I say unto you, 

Inasmuch as ye have done it 

unto one of the least of these my brethren, 

ye have done it unto me. 

Matthew 25:40

You are following this scripture when a shoebox is packed.  I love the picture of the little girl included here which says:  God always puts the right box in the hands of the right child.  Pack and Pray!  

The scripture graphic was made using a free graphic from sweet Dawn at The Feathered Nest.  It is free for personal use or sharing.

Thanks for visiting with me today.  I hope you have a blessed week.

It's Hydrangea Time

The world is full of noise.
Might we not set ourselves to learn silence,
stillness, solitude? 
Elisabeth Elliot

Tis the season for Hydrangeas.  I love their beauty ~  each stem bursting forth with blossom after blossom.  The image above is a vintage postcard from my collection.  I thought you'd enjoy it.

The photo below, is one I took yesterday.  You can't even count the blossoms they are innumerable. 

I enjoy the various shades of colors - blue, white, purple, lavender, pink, green, cranberry. 

Even the hydrangea leaves are lovely.  The green is so vivid, the leaves much larger than most flowers, and just look at the intricate pattern God has given them. 

I dry hydrangeas so I can enjoy them all year.   There is a proper time to cut them for the drying process, and a proper way to dry them.   I have been doing it wrong all this time.  I'm excited to try the new method I found with the ones I cut yesterday.  Will let you know how that works out for me.  You can find a great tutorial **here**.

I hope you have a delightful weekend.  Take some time to enjoy God's beauty in creation.

Linking to:
Pink Saturday,  Anything Blue Friday

Free Spring Vintage Postcards

 One day at a time,
and the day is His day;
He hath numbered its hours,
though they haste or delay.
His grace is sufficient;
we walk not alone;
As the day, so the strength that He giveth His own.

~ Annie Johnson Flint ~ (1866 – 1932)

Hello friends, it seems like it's been a while since I posted a good batch of vintage freebies for you.  These old postcards remind me of spring.  Since we can all use something fresh and new from time to time to cheer us, I've picked this bunch out of my archives.  Hope you enjoy them.  Have a delightful rest of the week.    ~ Abby