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In every Christmas Season, we celebrate the incredible love of the Father God who gave His only begotten Son. You know, John 3:16 " …For God so LOVED the world." Jesus was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit in a betrothed virgin, young woman named Mary. God found favor and freely chose Mary. Mary humbled and submitted herself to the message delivered by the angel Gabriel and so the story of Christmas begins.
Mary is often just thought of as an empty vessel in which God’s Holy Spirit endowed her with the Christ Child:
" Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”
But when she saw him she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” Luke 1: 26-32 NKJV
And yes, Mary was an empty vessel and it is because of her lowly station, her genuine humility, her lineage to David and willingness to believe and serve her Father God that she was favored.
”And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.” Luke 1: 35 NKJV
Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:38 NKJV
The Christmas Story begins with a Father (The Creator of all Heaven and Earth – all things seen and unseen) who demonstrates His glory and love in a humble, obedient girl named Mary. The mother of all humanity to bear the Messiah named Jesus. I have heard, “why is God always depicted as a Male, why not Female?” I don’t know the answer; I only know that we were all created in God’s image. “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27 NKJV I do know that Mary recognized the authority from whence the Angel Gabriel spoke to her and that she submitted to the will of the Almighty Creator.
So please know men and women, sons and daughters that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28. DON’T FRET over the station that you are in or in your circumstances, just humbly do the will of God as best you can.
Believers rid yourself of all ‘puffery’ and the power and glory of God will manifest in you in His way for His Kingdom. “He has scattered the proud and haughty in and by the imagination and purpose and designs of their hearts.” Luke 1:51 NKJ
“Blessed are you Mary among women!” Thank you for the example of humility and obedience you show each of us. Our emptiness can now be filled to overflowing and God’s grace will overcome all condemnation in us through the Christ child named Jesus. Allow God’s love and Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross to fill you with such hope that your cup will overflow. Let the grace of God in Jesus Christ remove all of your shame. Be strengthened in the birth of Jesus and in your calling for rebirth in Jesus Christ. Ascend every day towards the love of god in Jesus Christ. "For a child has been born—for us!
The gift of a son—for us!
He'll take over
the running of the world.
His names will be: Amazing Counselor,
Strong God,
Eternal Father,
Prince of Wholeness.
His ruling authority will grow,
and there'll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.
He'll rule from the historic David throne
over that promised kingdom.
He'll put that kingdom on a firm footing
and keep it going
With fair dealing and right living,
beginning now and lasting always.
The zeal of God-of-the-Angel-Armies
will do all this. Isaiah 9:6-7 The Message
Prayer: Abba Father, I will rejoice, sing and praise for the love you have given freely to me; the blessing of a baby in a manger. I thank you for the mentor I have in Mary. Please use my lowly station to abide in You as You abide in me. Fill me with the heart of love you have for all those I see and think of today. Remind me to “always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens to always be thankful, for this is God’s will for me who belongs to Christ Jesus. 1 Thes 5:16-18 NLT
Amen and Hallelujah
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Winnsboro, Fairfield County
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Announcing a beautiful country home equipped with everything, located at 1457 Old Douglas Road, a 1,801 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story "New roof 2009". Offered on
MLS®
$135,000
- Easy access I-20 & I-77.
Property information
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Western Horsemanship Lessons ~ Camps ~ Trail Rides Call Miss Lori for more information (803) 807-8234 cell (803) 438-8449 barn Trail ride and covered dish 3rd Saturday of each month March thru September, food blessed at 6PM Bring your own horse or call ahead to reserve a horse. RSVP by Wednesday before ride. Located at Rabon's Crossroad, arcross from the BP Gas station on HWY 34 and Springvale Rd |
WESTERN HORSEMANSHIP ~ Private lessons $30.00 / hr ~ Discount lesson packages available ~ Camps - year round Call Lori at 803 807-8234 CAMPS ~ LESSONS ~ TRAIL RIDES |
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S.C. Supreme Court halts some foreclosure salesBy Ashley Fletcher Frampton
aframpton@scbiznews.com
Published May 5, 2009 The S.C. Supreme Court has issued a temporary restraining order on some foreclosure sales to give homeowners eligible for a federal loan modification program the opportunity to participate. Chief Justice Jean Toal issued the order at 4:50 p.m. Monday at the request of the Federal National Mortgage Association, better known as Fannie Mae. In a petition filed Friday, Fannie Mae asked the court to prevent judges in South Carolina from selling foreclosed owner-occupied one- to four-unit properties with mortgage loans backed by Fannie Mae. The petition asked for a halt of up to 90 days for sales scheduled for this week. Fannie Mae sought the temporary injunction so it could implement the Obama administration’s Home Affordable Modification Program, which lowers monthly mortgage payments for eligible homeowners. Obama announced the program Feb. 18, and the U.S. Treasury Department issued guidelines for implementation on April 6. All Fannie Mae-approved servicers must participate in the program for eligible loans. Without the restraining order, Fannie Mae argued, homeowners eligible for the program whose homes were sold through foreclosure proceedings would miss out on the chance to participate. “This qualifies as irreparable injury for which the court should provide redress in the form of a temporary injunction,” the petition said. Fannie Mae did not have time to seek relief in lower courts, the petition to the S.C. Supreme Court said. Officials with Fannie Mae and the company’s attorneys in Columbia could not be reached today for comment. It’s unclear whether similar Fannie Mae is pursuing similar restraining orders in other states. In the order, Toal granted a temporary restraining order preventing the foreclosure sale of any property with a loan owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac or held by a servicer that signed an agreement to participate in the Home Affordable Modification Program. Many counties in South Carolina hold foreclosure sales on the first Monday of the month. Toal’s order stays any sales that took place Monday from moving ahead. By May 15, the plaintiff in every mortgage foreclosure action stayed by the order must serve all parties an affidavit stating whether the loan can be modified under the new federal program, Toal’s order said. Mortgages that qualify remain under the injunction. Mortgages that don’t qualify or are not modified can continue in the foreclosure process. Dorchester County had a foreclosure sale scheduled for today. Gail Evans, assistant to the master-in-equity, said the county stopped the sale of most residential properties to ensure it did not violate the Supreme Court’s order.
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| How the tax credit works |  | The bill provides up to an $8,000 refundable tax credit (or up to 10% of the purchase price). If the property is $75,000, the credit is only $7,500. - The credit is available to first-time buyers of a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. This is someone who did not own another main home at any time during the three years prior to the date of purchase.
- The credit does not require repayment. The credit will be claimed on a tax return to reduce the purchaser's income tax liability.
- If the buyer's tax liability in the given year is less than $8,000, the IRS will send a refund for the balance.
According to the 2008 IRS Tax Tables: A single filer would need $46,600 in taxable income to have $8,000 in tax liability. A couple would need $58,600 in taxable income to have $8,000 in tax liability. - Taxpayers whose income is more than $75,000, or $150,000 for joint filers can claim 10 percent of the purchase price up to $8,000, or $4,000 for married individuals filing separately.
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| Exceptions | | If any of these conditions exists, the credit will not be available. - Income exceeds the phase-out range. $95,000 for individuals, $170,000 for couples.
- The home is purchased from a close relative. This includes spouse, parent, grandparent, child or grandchild.
- You stop using your home as your main home.
- If the home is sold prior to three years of ownership, the tax credit must be repaid.
- You are a nonresident alien.
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| How to file | | (This information published by the Internal Revenue Service. IRS Newswire, March 18, 2009) For people who recently purchased a home or are considering buying in the next few months, there are several different ways that they can get this tax credit even if they've already filed their tax return. The credit may be claimed on 2008 tax returns due April 15 or on 2009 tax returns next year. The Treasury Department encourages taxpayers to explore these options to maximize their credit and get their money back as fast as possible. The filing options to consider are: - File an extension - Taxpayers who haven't yet filed their 2008 returns but are buying a home soon can request a six-month extension to October 15. This step would be faster than waiting until next year to claim it on the 2009 tax return. Even with an extension, taxpayers could still file electronically, receiving their refund in as few as 10 days with direct deposit.
- File now, amend later - Taxpayers due a sizable refund for their 2008 tax return but who also are considering buying a house in the next few months can file their return now and claim the credit later. Taxpayers would file their 2008 tax forms as usual, then follow up with an amended return later this year to claim the homebuyer credit.
- Amend the 2008 tax return - Taxpayers buying a home in the near future who have already filed their 2008 tax return can consider filing an amended tax return. The amended tax return will allow them to claim the homebuyer credit on the 2008 return without waiting until next year to claim it on the 2009 return.
- Claim the credit in 2009 rather than 2008 -This could benefit taxpayers who might qualify for a higher credit on the 2009 tax return. This could include people who have less income in 2009 than 2008 because of factors such as a job loss or drop in investment income.
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2002 Mazda B4000 Extended Cab, 4x4 V6 81,000 miles, automatic, Power windows/locks, nice CD/radio, tented windows, A/C blows cold. Very nice truck, $9000 OBO (803) 518-3758
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98 Honda Civic EX, 82,000 miles, Automatic, Power windows/locks, CD/radio, A/C blows cold, color/Black. Very nice car $4500.00 OBO (803) 518-3758
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New carpet, paint, roof- wow! lake views
• 3,013 sq. ft., 4 bath, 4 bdrm 3 story "side load garage"
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MLS®
#198903
$319,900
- $106/sq ft
Woodlake, Columbia
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Lake & pond views will 'wow' you!! Beautiful center hall Colonial with all hardwood floors on Main level. Large foyer greets you with Formal dining room on the right. To the left a formal great room w/gas fireplace and french doors to deck. Continue down the hallway to the eat-in kitchen w/french doors to screened porch and adjoining office area that leads to pantry and laundry room. Return to hallway and go downstairs to walk out basement w french doors, trey ceiling, entertainment center, double closets and full bath (could be used as in-law suite, family room or bedroom). Go back upstairs to 2nd level for BR 2 and 3 which share large jack-n-jill full bath. Then the Master suite w trey ceiling and his and her walkin closets, lg jacuzzi tub, full shower, private toilette and double vanities. Crown molding thru out entire house w/extensive Wainscoating & Plantation shutters. Sprinkler system on shared well. New roof/ext paint in 2007. New beige carpet just installed upstairs.
Property information
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Level 5.389 acres
• lot / land "approx 12 yr pines"
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MLS®
#194844
$42,000
- Lovely home site +5 ac
Camden, Kershaw County
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Very buildable lot
• 219,750 sq. ft. 1 1/2 story
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MLS®
#194871
$35,000
- Great value!
Camden, Kershaw County
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Peaceful, secluded lot with 8 year old pines. Level and several options for a home site. Property would also make a good investment. Owner can provide financing.
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