Christmas Everyday

By Vanessa W. Bonner

Christmas Everyday is filled with fun, fact, and legacy. It shows the contrast between Christmas past and Christmas present and how both blend together to make a heart that can celebrate Christmas every day. It presents uplifting ideas and wisdom that motivates and challenges one to take the stress out of Christmas and to enjoy the season.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 27, 2015
• ISBN: 9781504957564

Vanessa W. Bonner

Vanessa W. Bonner is a wife, mother, grandmother, and author. She is also an ordained minister and has worked in ministry over thirty years. She and her husband, Ronald, are cofounders and Pastors of Families for Christ Outreach Ministry in Chocowinity, North Carolina. She shares wisdom and knowledge in her unique style of teaching and writing through books and ministry. She has written three prior books: Help God I’m Single but I Don’t Want to Be, One Final Push, and Inspired by Grace. She has a heart and desire to help others experience growth in every area of their lives. She often encourages them to write their own story and not to be limited to what appears to be the final chapter.

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© 2015 Vanessa W. Bonner. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse   10/26/2015

ISBN: 978-1-5049-5757-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5049-5756-4 (e)

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KJV

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic Reference Bible, Copyright © 1983 by The Zondervan Corporation.

Unless otherwise indicated, Bible quotations are taken from the Authorized King James Version. Copyright 2003 by Nelson Publishers

Contents

Acknowledgements

Dedication

Introduction

The Beginning

Christmas Past

The Way Mama and Daddy Did It

The Secret

Every Need Supplied

Christmas in Vivid Detail

Parable for Everyday

Christmas Present

The Reason for My Joy

More than Money

Christmas At My House

Who Gets the Glory?

Gold Frankincense and Myrrh

Christmas Movies and Me

Faith Family and Christmas

We Must Strive to Return to Joy

Balance

Bicycles Trials and Triumphs

Faith in Action

A Tree for Christmas

Lights for Christmas

Christmas and A Test of Love

Double Double Double

Opportunities and Open Doors

Christmas Visits

Opportunity Still Knocking

Family Friends And Fellowship

The Values of Christmas

Friends at the Family Table

Christmas and Future Preservation

Things That Are Important

Things That Are Fun

My Favorites List

The Christmas Story

My Favorite Christmas Songs

My Favorite Christmas Movies

Favorite Christmas Childhood Memories

My Favorite Childhood Memories

Things to Do While Waiting

Favorite Holiday Recipes

Tributes to Mom and Dad

Fathers

My Daddy

Living Epistles

Doors of Opportunity and Blessing

My Substitute Guest

The Invitation

A Closing Thought

About the Author

Contact Information

Books by the Author

Notes and Reminders

Acknowledgements

Very Special Thanks

To My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who is the very Center of Christmas I love you Everyday

To my wonderful husband Ronald who believes I can do anything God has called me to do. Thank you for your love and support. Your faith has reached the heavens.

To Families for Christ Ministry and all the families it represents may God’s grace continue to abound in you all

To Bishop James Winston and Apostle Lucille Winston - Thank you for your love and support- May God bless you always

To the Pastors who have mentored and continue to pray and support my ministry- thank you

To my intercessory prayer partners- thank you for your love and prayers

To my family and friends who shared their life experiences in this book

To all who have supported this work in any way- your kindness and generosity is greatly appreciated

Dedication

To my loving parents, Mr. Jessie and Ophelia Winfield, who sacrificed and gave to our family the love, guidance, and memories that are shared in this book. Thank you so much. You have left a legacy to be taught, treasured, and passed on to many generations. You gave me my first glimpse of Christmas.

To my brother Marvin who passed away while I was in the final stages of writing this book. I will always love you. Thank you for your love, acceptance, and the sweet memories you left with us.

Introduction

Christmas has been for centuries the most wonderful and delightful time of the year. It is the time that many put away their distresses and move into the realm of hope and joyful anticipations. It is the time where dreams can become realities and visions become real.

I have such memories of Christmas. It has nothing to do with the presence or absence of a Christmas tree. There’s no set time to sing Christmas songs or watch a Christmas movie. I can literally close my eyes and simply see red…because Christmas to me is every day.

Christmas has always filled my heart with happy memories. However, every year when it was over, I’d feel a distinct sadness and dread. I didn’t want to let go of the wonderful feelings surrounding Christmas. Everyone was so joyful during the holidays. I didn’t understand why families couldn’t have this excitement year round. I began to question whether it was logical to let go of such positive and rewarding experiences. None of this made sense to me. People were so full of joy during Christmas. After Christmas it seemed that much of the excitement and enthusiasm gave way to sadness and despair. I had a terrific thought…… Why not live throughout the year like Christmas is everyday.

The Beginning

My first visions of Christmas came from