Happy New Year!

The True Meaning of Christmas

Christmas will soon be upon us! As we enjoy the music, cookies, and everything about Christmas, it is very easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas. So, today I want to share with you a part of Luke chapter 2.

Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5 in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. 6 While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

 Our Savior, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, was born in the lowliest place, a stable.  Angels, coming to the unwanted, unpopular shepherds, so that they too could share in the birth of our King.  Jesus didn't just come to save the rich; He also came for the poor and unwanted.  Jesus came to save us, the sinners; a king in Heaven being born into flesh to die for our sins. So when we wake on Christmas Day, before we run downstairs to search for gifts, thank the Lord for sending His only Son for us.  Remember, Jesus is the reason whey we celebrate.
-Marissa :)

Philippians 4:13

Here is a bible verse that God has demonstrated to me this week and I know He can do for you too!
-Marissa :)

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Video

Hello Friends!
Now that December is upon us, I would like to share a cool video with you!
-Marissa :)

Thanksgiving

Hello friends!

As you know, Thanksgiving is fast-approaching. Every November, I am reminded of the Pilgrims' sacrifice. They set out from their home country and took a risky adventure to start a new life in America. Their first year here was very difficult, involving sickness and death. Yet, the following year they and the Native Americans held a feast to give thanks. Did you hear that? In the midst of hard times and trouble, the Pilgrims gave thanks! 

Now, as we celebrate Thanksgiving this year, what really are we celebrating? It's not about the turkey and mashed potatoes. It's not about the parade or football. Thanksgiving is a day where we can thank God for what He has done for us. Even if you are going through a hard time in your life, think of how Jesus suffered for us. Give thanks for Jesus' sacrifice, and for what He has already given you. Remember, my friends, to start your holiday with a grateful heart.
-Marissa :)

                 

In Honor of the Snow........

Yesterday was like any other autumn day. The last leaves were falling from the trees, and I watched my neighbor take care of his yard. This morning, on the other hand, I woke up and peered outside my window to see snow falling from the sky and the ground white with snow. In honor of the first snow, I present to you: a winter Peanuts comic.

-Marissa :)

Bible Verse

Here is an encouraging verse that is one of my personal favorites.
-Marissa :)

Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Awesome Video!

Here is a video of a talented little boy that made me smile!
-Marissa :)

I Dare You Not to Smile ;)

Here is an awesome video that should definitely make you smile!
-Marissa :)

Forgiveness

Hi! Today I decided to post about something that is very important.
Have you ever felt that God won't accept you after you sin? Do you ever feel that since you sinned, God won't love you anymore? In the Bible, Jesus answers this question.

In Luke 15:11, Jesus tells his disciples the Parable of the Lost Son. I will sum up the parable for you.
There was a man who was the father of two sons. His younger son asked for his share of his father's estate, so his father divided the money. The younger son left his father and went to a distant country where he foolishly wasted all of his money. Soon after, a famine came and he was very hungry, so he found a job, and when he went to feed the pigs, he wanted to eat their food. He then realized that his father's servants were fed more than he was now, so he decided to return to his father, ask for forgiveness, and ask his father to make him one of his servants. The son then journeyed home. When he arrived home, the son's father saw him in the distance and ran to his son and kissed him. The son then said he was not worthy, for he had sinned. Instead, his father called the servants to bring his best robes and lay them on him, and to kill the fattened calf to celebrate the return of his son.

As you can see, even though the youngest son sinned against his father, his father came running to him (which was considered ignoble in those days), and welcomed him home with a great celebration. Jesus gave us this parable to show that no matter what sin we have committed, if we confess our sins to God and return to him, he will welcome us with open arms. This doesn't mean that we can sin all we want though. Sin is sin and it is wrong. The only reason that God can forgive us is through his Son who took our punishment and died for us.

My dogs also remind me of this topic. My family owns two dogs, Rascal, the family dog, and PJ, who belongs to me. Every time we return home from our destination, they go crazy as they welcome us home. Even if I quick run over to the neighbor's for only a minute, the dogs still make a big deal welcoming me home. God is like that. Whenever we walk away from Him and then return and ask for forgiveness, he will welcome us with open arms.
-Marissa :)

Bible Verse

Here is a verse for your dreary Monday ;)

Proverbs 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Even though it's a gloomy Monday, remember to go through your day with a joyful heart.
-Marissa :)

Peanuts Comic

Here is a comic for you today!

Inspiring Song for your Day!

There are many songs in life that bring up our spirits and make us feel comforted. I wanted to post an inspiring song for you today! This song is one of my favorites. It is called Greater by MercyMe.

-Marissa

 

Blogs I Enjoy

Hi! In this post I would like to share with you some of the blogs that I enjoy.

The first blog that I really enjoy is by my dear friend Tiffany. Her blog is called My Vitaluna. I have posted the link below.  Here is a little bit from her blog.
Hey Y'all! My name's Tiffany and I am going to share my Vitaluna with you. Vitaluna is Latin for "crazy life." I love posting about fashion, faith, DIY-ing, and crafting. So lets get started! 

www.myvitalunablog.blogspot.com

The next blog that I really enjoy is called A Writer's Faith by Katie. Below is the link.  Here is a little bit from her blog.

Welcome to the land of my imagination, a place filled with words, books, music, and a big jumbled mess. I'll be your guide, Katie, a Christian, homeschooled teen, leading you across the vast plains of my mind. Sharing my thoughts, writings, and updates on life, join me in my adventure:
 A Writer's Faith.
www.awritersfaith.blogspot.com

This third blog is another that I really enjoy, A Writer's Heart by Emily. Below is the link.  Here is a little bit from her blog.
I will be devoting this blog to my writing and I will be sharing story inspiration, giving writing tips, and sharing my stories with you! 

www.imaginationofawriter.blogspot.com

And last but certainly not least, another blog I really enjoy, Truth of the Lens by Anna. Below is the link. Here is a bit from her blog.
Truth of the Lens is going to be about my writing and photography progress.

www.truthofthelens.blogspot.com

Bye for now!
-Marissa :)

Here is a Smile For You!

Here is a video that for sure will make you smile!
-Marissa :)

You Are Not Alone

Hello! I want you to know something really important. You are not alone. On the days that you feel like nobody cares, or even on the pleasant ones, there is somebody who is there. There is somebody that will never leave your side, even when times get hard. That person is God. In every situation, in the tough and scary moments of life, God is with you. There are a few songs that come to my mind when I think about this topic.

The first one is called You Never Let Go by Matt Redman. I'm not going to start from the beginning, but more towards the middle. This song goes like this.
And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

This second song is called He is With Us by Love and the Outcome. This song goes like this.
We can trust our God
He knows what He's doing
Though it might hurt now
We won't be ruined
It might seem there's an ocean in between
But He's holding onto you and me
And He's never gonna leave, no
He is with us, He is with us, always, always
He is with us, He is with us, always

As you have read, God will never leave us. When we need someone to talk to or to cry out our thoughts to, God is listening. He cares about you and how you feel. Remember, whatever you go through, God is right by your side and you don't have to go through it alone. He loves you and cares about you. So don't be afraid; God is with you.
-Marissa :)

Acts of Kindness

Hello! I am going to start this post with a little story about something that happened to me.

Well, I was about to have an oral surgery done. If you know me, I hate blood and needles. (The funny thing is, I want to be a nurse someday). For this surgery, like any surgery, the surgeon would have to give me an IV to put me to sleep. Now, I kid you not, I was stressing about this day since I knew it was happening! The night before the surgery, my friends were texting me, telling me that they were praying for me. The next day, everything went fine. After the surgery, as I lay on my couch, a knock sounded at the door. One of my friends had brought me a post-dental surgery care-package! That small act of kindness made my day!

The point that I am trying to make is this: one small act of kindness can make someone's day. If it's just telling a friend that you are thinking about them, or if you tell them that you are praying for them, it can really make a difference. When my friends encouraged me in different ways, it really made me feel loved. If you are a Christian, how are you showing God's love to others? Whether it's to a Christian or non-Christian, how are you showing Christ in your life?

-Marissa :)

Welcome!

Hi! Welcome to my blog, Spreading Smiles! As you might have guessed, this blog is about bringing a smile to your face!  Every single one of us has had a bad day in our life and, sometimes, we need a source of encouragement. I want this blog to encourage you, whether you're having a bad day or a good one! Being a teenager, I understand how our feelings change from day-to-day. I believe that through this blog, we can encourage each other in our everyday lives; the easy days, and the difficult ones. So, I encourage you to follow my blog and pass it on! Together, we can keep a smile on our faces.

-Marissa :)