Happy New Year!!

Well just watched the ball drop with Dick Clark so I can officially say


I am thankful for all my fellow bloggers and I pray that the Lord will bless each one of you in 2008 in ways beyond all that you can ask or imagine. I look forward to reading about some of those blessings and telling some of my own as we blog together this next year.

Hopefully you have spent tonight with the ones you love and in safety. Steve and I went to our favorite Chinese restaurant and came home and watched a movie called "Conversations With God". It was interesting but ended up being more New Age philosophy but riddled with the truth of God's Word.

Looking forward to waking up and indulging in my New Year's tradition of watching the Rose Bowl Parade. Never does justice to the years I used to go and sit on the streets of Hollywood and watch it or get to walk them after the parade and see them up close, but nevertheless am always mesmerized by what they do with the flowers.

Here are a couple of New Year's funnies I found.

An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.
Bill Vaughn

A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other.
Anonymous

People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really should be worried about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas. ~Author
Unknown

New Year Prayer for the Elderly

God, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway

The good fortune to run into the ones that I do,

And the eyesight to tell the difference.

Plant A Seed

One of the things I really like about the internet is discovery. Today I discovered some good thoughts from a man named Jim Rohn. I did find a website but it looks outdated, www.jimrohn.com. Apparently he is a business philosopher.This particular article I thought had some good thoughts about change, especially with the New Year around the corner and the thought of resolutions.

"Two thousand years ago on April 15th one of Jesus’ disciples came to him and said it was time to pay taxes (that’s how I know it was around April 15th), but they had no money. In response to his disciple’s statement Jesus said "no problem." Now why could he say "no problem?" Well, word had it that Jesus was a miracle worker. If you hand a problem to a miracle worker what they are inclined to say is "no problem." You’ve got to hang out with people like that.

I belong to a small group and we do business around the world. These guys are all miracle workers. What an incredible group. If you hand any of them a problem guess what they say, "no problem." How many books will they read to solve a problem? As many as it takes. If they need to consult—how much consulting will they do? As much as it takes. How early will they get up? As early as it takes. "No problem"…you got to hang out with people like that. You cannot believe the thrill of being associated with miracle workers, people who will do whatever it takes to get the job done and perform miracles.

When asked about paying the taxes Jesus said it was "no problem." In fact, he said it was going to be easy—he told the disciple to just go fishing. Now it couldn’t have been any easier than that, especially for this disciple whose name was Peter, because Peter was a fisherman. Now if you can fish and you should fish and you don’t fish—then that is why you do not get a miracle. But Jesus told his disciple to go fishing and the first fish that he caught to look in its mouth. Peter, who was used to strange things happening, agreed. Well, the first fish Peter catches, he looks in its mouth and finds coins. Peter then adds up the coins and they are exactly enough to pay his and Jesus’ taxes.

"Wow!," you might say, "That is a miracle!" Here is why we call it a miracle—simply because we don’t quite understand how it works. That’s all. Doesn’t mean it doesn’t work; it just means we don’t quite understand how it works. Which is true of all miracles. In fact, for most of us our whole life is a miracle.

How about this miracle…God says if you plant the seed I will make the tree. Wow, you can’t have a better arrangement than that. First, it gives God the tough end of the deal. What if you had to make a tree? That would keep you up late at night trying to figure out how to make a tree. God says, "No, leave the miracle part to me. I’ve got the seed, the soil, the sunshine, the rain and the seasons. I’m God and all this miracle stuff is easy for me. I have reserved something very special for you and that is to plant the seed."

I have found in life that if you want a miracle you first need to do whatever it is you can do—if that is to plant, then plant; if it is to read, then read; if it is to change, then change; if it is to study, then study; if it is to work, then work; whatever you have to do. And then you will be well on your way of doing the labor that works miracles."

To Your Success,
Jim Rohn

Back In The Land Of The Living

Well finally at about 3:00 p.m. I started feeling like maybe I was feeling better. The headache finally stayed gone and I wasn't chilled anymore. Watched one of my favorite movies "Everafter". So my question today is how many of us truly believe in "Happily Ever After?"

If we are Christians then we know it is true. What it requires though is keeping our eye on the prize instead of the ins and outs of the here and now. Trusting God for His promises. So even though the uncertainties of a New Year are ahead of us we have the confidence of Philippians 3:20-21 "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." Sounds better than any New Year's diet to me!!

Post Christmas Depression

Anyone else struggle with the blues when Christmas is over? There is so much activity and excitement building up to Christmas and then it seems like it is over so fast. I just find it hard to get re-motivated. Of course the fact that I still don't feel well today has not helped.

I hate days like today when I look at the clock (9:00 p.m.) and have no earthly idea what I have done today??? Just spending time in la-la land.

Taking down Christmas decorations is just not near as much fun as putting them up.

Hopefully it is going much better for many of you!!

After Christmas Yucks

I had made the decision that after going and blowing for 3 weeks that I would just take today to sit and relax and read a little book I picked up called "Christmas Promise". Instead I have tried to keep warm (having major chills) and get rid of a nasty headache. Spent most of the day reading a few pages and then falling asleep in my chair.

But I thought I would share a few thought provoking quotes that were in the book.

"What do we live for, if not to make the world a less difficult place for each other" George Eliot.

"From what we get, we can make a loving. From what we give, however, makes a life." Arthur Ashe

"Life's most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?" Martin Luther King.

"If the will to walk is really present. God is pleased even with your stumbles." C.S. Lewis

12 Days Of Christmas

I want to start this post by asking you to join me in prayer for Tatum Null. Sherry sent out an email saying that Tatum's levels have been elevated for about 4 weeks now. The transplant team says it is either a sign of rejection or infection. Matthew 18:19 tells us "I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven". Let's join together and believe for Tatum's sake that this latest scare can be solved quickly and that she will continue on her journey of healing. She will have a sonogram tomorrow and a biopsy on Friday. The biopsy will require anesthesia and she usually reacts to this with a very hard recovery where she is very agitated. So pray that she will be at peace and can feel God's arms embracing her.

You thought I was finished posting about Christmas, but those of you who have been following my advent postings realize that according to the advent tradition the 12 days of Christmas are actually celebrated beginning Christmas Eve and continuing until Epiphany on January 6th. You can read more information about it after my post.

We made it to Bryan and back today to attend the funeral of Harold Pruessner. His service was at his church, St. Andrews Episcopal Church. It had to be the prettiest church I have ever been in. The stained glass windows were beautiful, it was small and so intimate. Of course with the Christmas poinsettias and candles it was just so quaint. They had hurricane lamps at the end of each pew with gold bows. It was just so
pretty.

But the real blessing was hearing Hal's brother David speak about their father. It was a blessing to learn about his life. He was a pioneer in the medical field and even the Houston Chronicle wrote a special article about him today. You can read it at this link http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/deaths/5403619.html

Since this is the 2nd funeral I have been to in the past two weeks, it has caused me to think about what do I hope to be remembered by when I leave this world? I can only pray that people will be rejoicing because I am with the Lord not because they will no longer have to put up with me :)

You're all familiar with the Christmas song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" I think. To most it's a delightful nonsense rhyme set to music. But it had a quite serious purpose when it was written. It is a good deal more than just a repetitious melody with pretty phrases and a list of strange gifts. Catholics in England during the period 1558 to 1829, when Parliament finally emancipated Catholics in England, were prohibited from ANY practice of their faith by law - private OR public. It was a crime to BE a Catholic.

"The Twelve Days of Christmas" was written in England as one of the "catechism songs" to help young Catholics learn the tenets of their faith - a memory aid, when to be caught with anything in *writing* indicating adherence to the Catholic faith could not only get you imprisoned, it could get you hanged, or shortened by a head - or hanged, drawn and quartered, a rather peculiar and ghastly punishment I'm not aware was ever practiced anywhere else. Hanging, drawing and quartering involved hanging a person by the neck until they had almost, but not quite, suffocated to death; then the party was taken down from the gallows, and disemboweled while still alive; and while the entrails were still lying on the street, where the executioners stomped all over them, the victim was tied to four large farm horses, and literally torn into five parts - one to each limb and the remaining torso.

The songs gifts are hidden meanings to the teachings of the faith. The "true love" mentioned in the song doesn't refer to an earthly suitor, it refers to God Himself. The "me" who receives the presents refers to every baptized person. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge which feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, much in memory of the expression of Christ's sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: "Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered thee under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but thou wouldst not have it so..."
The other symbols mean the following:
2 Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments 3 French Hens = Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues 4 Calling Birds = the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists 5 Golden Rings = The first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace. 6 Geese A-laying = the six days of creation 7 Swans A-swimming = the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments 8 Maids A-milking = the eight beatitudes 9 Ladies Dancing = the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit 10 Lords A-leaping = the ten commandments 11 Pipers Piping = the eleven faithful apostles 12 Drummers Drumming = the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed

Christmas 2007 Came and Went

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas celebration today! Steve and I were blessed to spend it with my mom and dad. Here are some pictures from our day together.

The tree before we unwrapped presents, do you think we had enough?

Don't know what was wrong with my camera today, all the pictures are very blurry :(

We made it so easy on ourselves this year. Ham, baked sweet potato, aspargus, fruit salad.
Was the first time ever we didn't leave the table so stuffed it hurt. Easy cleanup. It was great

Steve's mother and brother gave me the "Perfect Pet". It is just adorable. When we had visited at Thanksgiving they had a new cat and I fell in love with it, even though prior to that I had been fearful of cats. The best thing about this one is it doesn't shed, or need much attention :)

It has batteries that make the back rise up and down like it is sleeping. Really sweet.

We will be leaving in the morning to drive to Bryan to attend the funeral service for Hal Pruessner's father. Please be in prayer for Hal, Debra and their family during this time. I would appreciate your prayers for our safe travel as well.

Sand Castle Nativity

These are pictures of Sandcastle art from the Canary Islands. Someone emailed me a powerpoint and I couldn't figure out how to download it, so I just copied some of the pictures. I wonder how long it takes to do something like this? If you would like to see the powerpoint just give me your email address and I will forward it to you. There are probably about 8 more pictures.

Today Steve and I went to Christmas Eve service at Fellowship church in Plano. Oh my. What a different experience than the tradtional service we usually go to. No one on the stage was over the age of 25. Their first two songs sounded like the Trans Siberian Orchestra. Very loud! Ed Young had a good sermon on White Christmas using the play on words to talk about the passage in Isaiah where God says he washes our sins as white as snow. And that instead of a White Christmas we need a Right Christmas. Getting our hearts right with God. It was a very contemporary service. I was impressed by the seven greetings we got from the front door to our seat in the sanctuary by ushers saying "Merry Christmas".

Hope you all have a most BLESSED Christmas Celebration!

Christmas Fun

There are a couple of songs on Youtube that will bring a smile to your face. Or at least they did mine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D09DCZryG2U&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fe11OlMiz8

Can you believe we're just minutes away from it being Christmas Eve?

Advent, Week Four, Day One
Sunday Isaiah 11:1-10
There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. Righteousness shall be the girdle of his waist, and faithfulness the girdle of his loins. The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall feed; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The sucking child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder's den. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. In that day the root of Jesse shall stand as an ensign to the peoples;

Christmas Is For Giving

Steve and I had a fun day today. We went out to eat for breakfast (one of my favorite things to do). I had a pecan waffle, yummm. Then we went to see the new NationalTreasure movie. Usually sequels don't live up to the original, but we both really enjoyed this movie as well. It is just an interesting twist on history and historical figures. Then tonight we watched our tradtional viewing of Christmas Vacation. It is always fun because Steve laughs so heartily at this movie and I love to hear him laugh.

Steve told me about this story today and I thought I would share it with you as we just don't get enough good news these days. Let's applaud Southwest for not just being concerned with the bottom line.

"DALLAS, Dec. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines will fly 171 Texas Army National Guard soldiers from North Carolina to Texas on Sunday, Dec.23. The 436th Chemical Company of the Texas Army National Guard is stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, waiting for deployment to Afghanistan. They recently got news that their deployment has been delayed,so now they are able to spend the holidays with their families, and Southwest Airlines is making it possible! The soldiers will arrive in Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio on Sunday courtesy of Southwest. Southwest Airlines Employees and Customers will be alongside their families to welcome home the soldiers! "Southwest Airlines is happy to be able to grant this Christmas wish for these troops to reunite with their families," said Southwest Airlines President Colleen Barrett. "We are so proud of what these soldiers are doing for our country, and we are blessed to give back." When the troops' scheduled departure to Afghanistan was delayed, the Commander said the soldiers could go home for the holidays if arrangements were possible for every soldier. Families scurried to raise money to fund everyone's trip to Texas, but were unsuccessful. Southwest Airlines learned of the effort and stepped in to offer flights to all 171 soldiers! "The support and generosity of Southwest Airlines is an unbelievable blessing to our soldiers and their families," said Dora Cortez, member of the 436th Chemical Company's Family Support Group. "Many of the children haven't asked for Christmas presents this year; they simply want their daddies home." Southwest Airlines is proud to support our troops. The airline has more than 700 of its own family who serve in the National Guard and Reserves."

Advent, Week Three, Day Seven
Luke 3:1-6 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiber'i-us Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Iturae'a and Trachoni'tis, and Lysa'ni-as tetrarch of Abile'ne, in the high-priesthood of Annas and Ca'iaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechari'ah in the wilderness; and he went into all the region about the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God."

All Wrapped Up

So the presents are wrapped, the cards are in the mail. The shopping for dinner is done. I might can actually just get to relax for a couple of days. Sounds nice. Hope you all have a good weekend as well.

Today is my mother-in-law's and nieces birthday (83 and 17). Happy Birthday mom and Aly!

Advent, week 3, day six
Friday John 9:1-7
As he passed by, he saw a man blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be made manifest in him. We must work the works of him who sent me, while it is day; night comes, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." As he said this, he spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle and anointed the man's eyes with the clay, saying to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Silo'am" (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing

Holy Ground

Today John Siburt preached Morris James funeral and did an amazing job! I was so blessed to have been present. John said that in his 5 years of being at R.E. he has learned that funerals are actually holy ground. Some of what he said is actually what I said in my blog last night that all God asks us to be is a ministry of presence and He will be the promised comforter. So many of the funerals that I have been to since I have been at R.E. have been conducted by Larry James (Morris' son). Larry has spoken to my heart every time he spoke. Today John reminded us all that while Larry, Mildred and Morris had all been God's presence to others in times past, that today it was our turn to be His presence to them. I looked around the room and saw so many of the faithful R.E. servants that understand what it is to be faith community and who attend most funerals. It has been interesting to me in past times and today that there are not many people under the age of 50 who attend these funerals. I am not sure why that is, but all I know is that each one that I attend I come away with the desire to be a better servant of the Lord most high. Today was no different. I could not help but think of so many that have gone before us: Alan Bryan, Nancy Mooney, Doris James, Marti Paxton, Doug Aldrich,
Kathy Osborne, Ken McFarland, John Wood, Sue Vestal, Rosemary Collins, Nina Merklen and it hit me that they are Hebrews 12:1-2 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus' " They are in heaven with Moses, Elijah, Noah, Ruth, Esther, Paul, Peter,Mary etc. and they are just applauding and cheering us on this journey we are on. I also could not help but think of Steve Green's Song "Find Us Faithful".

We're pilgrims on the journey
Of the narrow road
And those who've gone before us line the way
Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary
Their lives a stirring testament to God's sustaining grace
Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses
Let us run the race not only for the prize
But as those who've gone before us
Let us leave to those behind us
The heritage of faithfulness passed on through godly lives
Chorus:
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave
Lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone
And our children sift though all we've left behind
May the clues that they discover and the memories they uncover
Become the light that leads them to the road we each must find

I wish I could remember exactly how John said it this morning, but it was something like "Morris lived life in such a way that the rest of us are just the Amen". I am thankful for all our senior saints who show us what Micah 6:8 looks like in the flesh for they all act justly, love mercy and to walk humbly with their God, and yours and mine. I thank God for allowing me to walk among them. I am indeed blessed abundantly.

Advent, Week Two, Day Five
Thursday Isaiah 40:1-11
"Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins. A voice cries: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken." A voice says, "Cry!" And I said, "What shall I cry?" All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the LORD blows upon it; surely the people is grass. The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand for ever. Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, "Behold your God!" Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arms, he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.."

God in Flesh

Tonight as I went to the visiting hours for Morris James I could not but think of all the people standing in line waiting to give Mildred, Larry, Brenda and their girls a hug, a comforting word, etc. being God's way of making His love and mercy known in the flesh. Again I ask myself what do people do that do not have a Christian community? I always find these times difficult because I just don't know what I can say that would make any difference. But I have learned it is insignificant what I say, it is just important that I "be". It is God who is present and it is Him that has promised to be our comforter. My heart ached for Mildred as she talked about this being the worst thing she has ever had to go through. I knew that she indeed was walking through the valley of the shadow of death. I am so very thankful that she has the Lord who loves her more than we can comprehend promising that He will walk with her. As I looked at Morris' body it really hit me hard how fast life leaves our bodies when we die. He was an empty shell. It really hit me hard that it will not be too long before I have to face the death of my father. Also I caught myself thinking that it could of been me in the coffin and Steve receiving comfort. I cried out thanks for God's mercy and grace.

Later in evening I went to a Christmas gathering with my Wednesday night supper club friends. We had such a good time of fellowship,not to mention great food! Tanya brought this to die for chocolate ganache. I ate two bites and could eat no more because it was so decadent. It will take a couple of days to finish it as I will only be able to take two bites at a time. Hey that might be a healthier way to eat all sweets, yeah?

Advent, Week Three, Day 4
Wednesday
John 3:16-21
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. He who believes in him is not condemned; he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does what is true comes to the light, that it may be clearly.

Tuesday Musings

Today was a full day. First I sat with the daycare children while they napped so their teachers could attend their Christmas lunch. I was with the pre-kindergarten kids. It was rather amusing to see the lengths some of them would go through not to go to sleep. I also was in awe of how many of them had really bad coughs. I couldn't help but wonder how the teachers don't get sick? I imagine it just cycles continually from one child to another. I guess it doesn't matter how bad the cough is as long as they are not running temperature?

I left there to finish up my Christmas shopping. I had one more thing to get my mom. On the way I heard Joy William's "Here With Us" on KLTY. I had stop at Lifeway and buy the CD, while they didn't have her Christmas CD, they did have her greatest hits and the song was on it. I just think it is beautiful. See what you think. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymuU76NafrE By the way the Lifeway on 75 and Park will close its doors on January 5th. That makes me sad, guess will just have to order all my Beth Moore items online.

Then Steve and I headed for the hospital to meet Audrey Hall and visit my friend Sandy. On the way I asked Steve how he and Morris James began their "do you know of good church". He said he ran into him one day at some restaurant and went up to him and said "I am looking for a good church, do you know of one?" Morris replied "Out in the pumpkin patch to the left". So that began their encounters of Steve always asking and Morris creatively replying the whereabouts. Steve said it always made him smile.

So when we were Brooke and Michael Hall and meeting Audrey I could not help but think of God's cycle of life. We are saying "goodbye" to a faithful servant brother and "hello" to a precious new little sister. Brooke looked amazing by the way. And Michael was such a proud Daddy holding her.

And finally there is a major annoyance going on with my computer. Every time I get on Internet Explorer I am getting these weird pop-ups. My pop-up blockers are on and I cannot figure out how to get them to stop. I know all I have to do is close the windows but it is just an annoyance.

Advent, Week Three, Day Three
Tuesday 1 John 1:4-7
And we are writing this that our joy may be complete. This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not live according to the truth; but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

Time for sadness, Time for joy

For all of you who are part of the Richardson East church, our hearts our saddened at the news that Morris James passed away last night. What a sweet, sweet man of God and servant of Jesus. We will miss him so much, but no where near as much as his sweet wife of 68 years Mildred. How difficult it would be to lose your life partner, but it has to be so much more difficult at this time of year. Our love and prayers are with Mildred and their son Larry. Steve and Morris always had this standing joke between them. I don't know how it ever got started but one or the other one of them would always say "I am looking for a good church do you know of one?" I am so very thankful that because of our Lord Jesus Christ we can also be full of joy in knowing that Morris is home with his Lord tonight. Wish we were there with him.

Last night our Life Group had a great Mexican dinner, great fellowship and a sweet time of celebrating the life of our Lord Jesus. I was touched by one particular reading and thought I would share it with you.

In Search of Our Kneeling Places
By Ann Weems
In each heart lies a Bethlehem,
an inn where we must ultimately answer
whether there is room or not.
When we are Bethlehem-bound
we can no longer look the other way
conveniently not seeing stars
not hearing angel voices.
We can no longer excuse ourselves by busily
tending our sheep or our kingdoms.
This Christmas let’s go to Bethlehem
and see this thing that the Lord has made known to us.
In the midst of shopping sprees
let’s ponder in our hearts the Gift of Gifts.
Through the tinsel
let’s look for the gold of the Christmas Star.
In the excitement and confusion, in the merry chaos,
let’s listen for the brush of angels’ wings.
This Christmas, let’s go to Bethlehem
and find our kneeling places.

Advent Week Three, Day Two

2 Corinthians 4:3-6
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the likeness of God. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

Advent, Week Three, Day One

1 CORINTHIANS 13 - - A CHRISTMAS VERSION -
By an unknown author
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love, I’m just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love, I’m just another cook.
If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love, it profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir’s cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child.Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband. Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn’t envy another’s home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.
Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails.
Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.

Sunday
Isaiah 60:1-3
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.

Jesus Loves Us SNOW Much!

So here is the puzzle I put together yesterday. It was fun. I have a snowman fetish, so it made it extra fun. So now I have to decide whether to save it or just put it back in the box. It would be fun to display with all my snowmen, but I don't now how I could do it?

Part of my snowmen collection

The Puzzle

Seemed apropos to post about snowmen when it was soooooo cold outside today! We had to get out to get our picture taken for the directory (a great day to try to keep a hairdo). I am so thankful to have a warm home to stay in. I cannot imagine what the homeless do on days like today? Just talking about it, I think I will get some hot peach tea.

Advent Verse

Saturday

1 Peter 2:5-9

"like living stones be yourselves built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in scripture: "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and he who believes in him will not be put to shame." To you therefore who believe, he is precious, but for those who do not believe, "The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner," and "A stone that will make men stumble, a rock that will make them fall"; for they stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Advent, Week Two, Day Five

So after mailing all my gifts today, I took a little break and started a new jigsaw puzzle of snowmen. I ordered an easy 350 piece (with larger pieces), so I am already about half way through. I was so thankful at the post office too! Absolutely no line!!! I was amazed. I just hope all my packages make it before Christmas because it was $60.00 and that was without sending anything priority mail!!

Found this clip on YouTube and thought it was amazing. It was such a great visual of how "two are better than one" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mK29iPaQDbg

Hope everyone has a GREAT weekend!

Friday
Ephesians 5:6-14
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for it is because of these things that the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not associate with them, for once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is a shame even to speak of the things that they do in secret; but when anything is exposed by the light it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it is said, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light."

CDC Christmas Program

Tonight I went to the Care Child Development Christmas Program. Oh my goodness! Were those little ones just precious! Each class sang a song or two and the teachers had done a great job of working with them and having them learn motions. It is so funny how some children are just natural "hams". My favorite song was the "12 Days of Christmas" because they had groups of two children singing each day and "A Partridge in a pear tree" and "5 golden ring" kids just really stood out. Then there was one little boy on "Rocking Around The Christmas Tree" that really danced. Then there were the little babies that they brought in a "bye bye buggy" as everyone sang Jingle Bells and they were waving their little hands and ringing their bells. Just the cutest things.

The whole auditorium was packed with parents and families with a gazillion cameras flashing.
I could not help but look around and think what other ministry does Richardson East have that has as much outreach to such a wide demographic of people? 120 children are being left every day and are being taught about the Bible, God and Jesus. Tonight an entire auditorium got to hear "Happy Birthday Jesus" and hear the story of Christ Birth read from the Bible and reinacted by the children. It was an opportunity for God's love to be planted in every heart. I was thankful that I was able to be a part of such a special moment.

Spent the day wrapping presents, I am actually finished with everyone that needs to be mailed. Now I get to stand in the long line at the post office tomorrow. Every year, I say I am not going to spend money on postage and every year I still do. It is just part of Christmas when all your family lives out of state.

Found this recipe on an Advent site and thought I would share it.

Scripture Cake
Ingredients
· 1/2 cup (125 ml) Judges 5:25 (butter, softened)
· 1/2 cup (125 ml) Jeremiah 6:20 (light brown sugar)
· 2 Jeremiah 17:11 (eggs)
· 2 cups (475 ml) I Kings 4:22 (unsifted flour)
· 1/2 tsp (2 ml). Amos 4:5 (baking soda)
· 1/4 cup (60 ml) Exodus 16:31 (honey)
· 3/4 cup (175 ml) Judges 4:19 (milk)
· 1/2 cup (125 ml) Nahum 3:12 (figs coarsely chopped)
· 1/2 cup (125 ml) I Samuel 30:12 (dark raisins)
· 1/2 cup (125 ml) Numbers 17:8 (sliced natural almonds)
· 1 tsp (5 ml). II Chronicles 9:9 spices: suggested -
· 3/4 tsp (4 ml). ground cinnamon
· 1/4 tsp (1 ml). ground cloves
Preparation
· Heat oven to 350 degrees (175 C.).
· Grease and flour a 9 inch square pan.
· Beat together butter, brown sugar, and eggs until light.
· Add flour, soda, honey and milk all at once.
· Beat until smooth.
· In a medium bowl, toss together figs, raisins, almonds and spices.
· Fold into cake batter and turn into prepared pan.
· Bake until center springs back when gently touched,
· about 45 to 50 minutes.

Thursday
John 12:35-36
Jesus said to them, "The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, lest the darkness overtake you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light." When Jesus had said this, he departed and hid himself from them.

Advent, Week Two, Day Three

You know how I asked last week if it ruffled anyone's feathers when stores refused to use the word Christmas in their advertising and changed it to "Holiday" whatever? Well click here and take a look at this video http://www.citizenlink.org/Stoplight/A000005834.cfm?eafref=1 and see what Merry Tossmas is all about. How do people come up with such ideas?

Wednesday
Psalms 119:105-106
Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to observe thy righteous ordinances.

Customs from Various Countries and Cultures
by Victor Hoagland, C.P.
Centuries ago Christians brought plants and flowers into the celebration of Christmas, for did not Christ come to uphold the dignity of all God's creation? The natural world, as well as humans, angels and animals, should have a part in welcoming him.
Evergreens, from ancient times symbols of life and eternity, have always had a prominent place in Christian celebrations. Holly, with its green leaves, its prickly points and red berries, suggested that the Child born in the manger would wear a crown of thorns and shed drops of blood. Mistletoe, long associated in the pre-Christian world with healing, became a symbol of the healing power of Christ.
The poinsettia, from Central America, with its bright, star-like flowers, is a natural reminder of the Star of Bethlehem. Other plants that bloom during this season are images also of the Root of David that flowered with new life.
Many nations have contributed a rich mosaic of Christmas customs. Among the Latin peoples, the Christmas novena, nine days of prayer before Christmas, is a popular tradition. The Christmas meal after midnight Mass, in which all the family participates, is traditional among the French. Among the Slavic peoples on Christmas eve, the father of the family breaks the feastday wafers of bread and gives them to the members of his household, while wishing all the peace of Christmas.
From Ireland came the custom of placing lighted candles in the window during Christmastime. It originated in penal times when the Catholic religion was suppressed in Ireland and priests were forced into hiding. Irish families put a burning candle in their window and left their doors unlatched, hoping that a priest might come to their door and celebrate the Christmas Mass with them.

Advent, Week Two, Day Two

I found this quote at http://www.crivoice.org/cyadvent.html
"It is truly a humbling experience to read back through the Old Testament and see how frail and imperfect all the "heroes" actually are. Abraham, the coward who cannot believe the promise. Jacob, the cheat who struggles with everybody. Joseph, the immature and arrogant teen. Moses, the impatient murderer who cannot wait for God. Gideon, the cowardly Baal-worshipper. Samson, the womanizing drunk. David, the power abusing adulterer. Solomon, the unwise wise man. Hezekiah, the reforming king who could not quite go far enough. And finally, a very young Jewish girl from a small village in a remote corner of a great empire. It never ceases to amaze me why God could not have chosen "better" people to do His work in the world. Yet if God can use them, and reveal Himself through them in such marvelous ways, it means that He might be able to use me, inadequate, and unwise, and too often lacking in faith that I am. And it means that I need to be careful that I do not in my own self-righteousness put limits on what God can do with the most unlikely of people in the most unlikely of circumstances. I think that is part of the wonder of the Advent Season."

Psalm 27:1-4
A Psalm of David.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me, uttering slanders against me, my adversaries and foes, they shall stumble and fall. Though a host encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.

Christmas Music

I just love Christmas Music. It is my tradition to buy at least one new album a year, so I have a pretty big collection (about 40). My favorites are Anne Murray, Roger Whitaker, Kenny Gee, Michael English, Point of Grace and Michael W. Smith. Now I add to that list Josh Grobin's Noel. Steve bought it for me. I just think his voice is amazing. There is a song on this album called "Thankful". The lyrics caused me to reflect on all the things I am thankful for. Hope it will inspire you this season as well. You can listen to it here if you want: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44ZeNXqEuTQ&feature=related

Somedays, we forget to look around us,
Somedays, we can't see the joy that surrounds us,
So caught up inside ourselves,
We take when we should give,
So for tonight we pray for,
What we know can be,
And on this day we hope for,
What we still can't see,
It's up to us, to be the change,
And even though we all can still do more,
There's so much to be thankful for,
Look beyond ourselves,
There's so much sorrow,
It's way to late to say,
I'll cry tomorrow
Each of us must find our truth,
It's so long overdue,
So for tonight we pray for,
What we know can be,
And everyday, we hope for,
What we still can't see,
It's up to us, to be the change,
And even though we all can still do more,
There's so much to be thankful for,
Even with our differences,
There is a place were all connected,
Each of us can find each others light,
So for tonight, we pray for
What we know can be,
And on this day, we hope for,
What we still can't see,
It's up to us, to be the change,
And even though this world can still do so much more
There's so much to be thankful for

Advent Week 2, Day 2
Psalm 43:3-6
Oh send out thy light and thy truth; let them lead me, let them bring me to thy holy hill and to thy dwelling! Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; and I will praise thee with the lyre, O God, my God. Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.

Advent Week Two

The practice of lighting Advent candles began in Germany by non-Christians. They lit candles surrounded by evergreen branches in their windows on cold winter nights to signify their hope for the coming warmth and light of spring! Later, German Lutherans kept the practice alive and gradually the symbolism of the Advent wreath was added: evergreens represent everlasting life (because they do not die during winter) and Christian growth; the wreath is a symbol of God's unending love and of victory; candles represent Christ, the light of the world, and their purple or blue color signify the royalty of Jesus our King! Another tradition saying is that the four candles signify the 4000 years of waiting from Adam and Eve until, at long last, Jesus' birth.

When John the Baptizer made his appearance as a preacher in the desert of Judea, this was his them: Reform your lives. The reign of God is at hand!" Mt. 3:1 Second Sunday of Advent
O Jesus, in an empty desert your prophet John proclaimed: God is here, at your side. God has come to bring about a kingdom where injustice and suffering will be no more, where tears will be wiped away, and where those who turn to God will feast at a banquet.
"Turn now, your God is standing at your side. Reform your lives, God's kingdom is at hand." In an empty desert John said these things.
Give me faith like John's, O Lord, strong enough to believe even in a desert that you and your kingdom are no farther from me than my hand. Make my heart strong like his, not swayed by trials or snared by false pleasures. Give me courage to be faithful until your promises are fulfilled.
O King of all nations, Jesus Christ,only joy of every heart,come and save your people.

Romans 15:4-13

"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, "Therefore I will praise thee among the Gentiles, and sing to thy name"; and again it is said, "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people"; and again, "Praise the Lord, all Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him"; and further Isaiah says, "The root of Jesse shall come, he who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles hope." May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."

Can't resist posting these sweet pictures of my great nephew Talon with Santa. I am sure next year he will be crying like so many near two year olds, but this year at 8 months it seems like

he is having a great time!

Is this really your beard?

Taking an Advent Break

I have been posting some Advent verses but I came across this thought provoking devotional by Max Lucado on Crosswalk. and thought I would post it for today. We had a great dinner and fun time at Holly Jolly tonight. Hope you all have a wonderful day of worship tomorrow.

The Journey by Max Lucado
I drove the family to Grandma's last night for Thanksgiving. Three hours into the six-hour trip, I realized that I was in a theology lab. A day with a car full of kids will teach you a lot about God. Transporting a family from one city to another is closely akin to God transporting us from our home to his. A journey is a journey, whether the destination be the Thanksgiving table or the heavenly one. Both demand patience, a good sense of direction, and a driver who knows that the feast at the end of the trip is worth the hassles in the midst of the trip.
For me, six hours on the road is a small price to pay for my mom's strawberry cake. I don't mind the drive because I know the reward. I have three decades of Thanksgivings under my belt, literally. As I drive, I can taste the turkey. Hear the dinner-table laughter. Smell the smoke from the fireplace.
I can endure the journey because I know the destiny. For some of you, the journey has been long. Very long and stormy. In no way do I wish to minimize the difficulties that you have had to face along the way. Some of you have shouldered burdens that few of us could ever carry. You have bid farewell to life-long partners. You have been robbed of life-long dreams. You have been given bodies that can't sustain your spirit. You have spouses who can't tolerate your faith. You have bills that outnumber the paychecks and challenges that outweigh the strength.
And you are tired. Let me encourage you with a parallel between your life's journey and the one our family took last night. It's worth it.
As I write, the Thanksgiving meal is over. My legs are propped up on the hearth. My tablet is on my lap. I have every intention of dozing off as soon as I finish this chapter.
The turkey has been attacked. The giblet gravy has been gobbled. The table is clear. The kids are napping. And the family is content. As we sat around the table today, no one spoke of the long trip to get here. No one mentioned the requests I didn't honor. No one grumbled about my foot being on the accelerator when their hearts were focused on the banana splits. No one complained about the late hour of arrival.
Yesterday's challenges were lost in today's joy. God never said that the journey would be easy, but he did say that the arrival would be worthwhile. Remember this: God may not do what you want, but he will do what is right ... and best. He's the Father of forward motion. Trust him. He will get you home. And the trials of the trip will be lost in the joys of the feast.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll close my eyes. I'm a bit tired from the journey, and it feels good to rest.

From In the Eye of the Storm Copyright (W Publishing Group, 1999) Max Lucado

Advent Day Six

Verse for Day Six of Advent:
Jeremiah 33:14-16
"The days are coming,' declares the LORD, 'when I will fulfill the gracious promise I made to the house of Israel and to the house of Judah. 'In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David's line; he will do what is just and right in the land.
In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness."

It is just too amazing to comprehend that Jesus' Righteousness belongs to me. I am so unworthy but so very thankful.

I am joining the bandwagon of the Christmas Favorites List:

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper, I just wish I was better at making really pretty bows.
2. Real tree or Artificial? I would much rather have a real tree, but usually put up the artificial tree for convenience and to save Steve sinuses
3. When do you put up the tree? Usually the day after Thanksgiving.
4. When do you take the tree down? New Years Day
5. Do you like egg nog? No, but it has been over 25 years since I tried it.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? One year I couldn't decide between a Bride doll and a Betsy Wetsy doll and told Santa to choose for me an he gave me both.
7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, I have the WillowTree one and another my sweet friend Donna gave me made of pewter.
8. Hardest person to buy for? Steve, I can usually only get him things on his list as he doesn't like surprises
9. Easiest person to buy for? My mom
10. Mail or Email Christmas cards? Mail and each one hand written, no standard Christmas Letter or printed names.
11.Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A fruitcake
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Miracle on 34th Street
13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?Yes, at a White Elephant party
14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? b-bars (coconute, chocolate, nuts) and pumpkin roll
15. Clear lights or colored on the tree? The more color the better, I saw a colored pre-lit tree today and wanted it really bad!
16. Favorite Christmas song? Do You Hear What I Hear, Mary Did You Know
17. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Usually stay home, Steve doesn't like to chance the weather
18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? No, but I can sing them all
19. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Always open just one on Christmas Eve and the rest on Christmas morning
20. Most annoying thing about this time of year? People in stores being impatient
21. Favorite ornament theme or color? Red and White
22. Favorite food for Christmas dinner? My moms mashed potatoes with carrots and velvetta cheese mixed with them
23.What do you want for Christmas this year? I already got it a new Christmas Village.

Saint Nicholas

Okay so why did none of my blog friends let me know my "Count Down Till Christmas" was wrong? Tonight it said 25 days until Christmas. Not sure why, but I sure don't want to be late for Christmas.

Thanks to my mom's help we finally finished decorating the house for Christmas today. Now if I can get cards mailed and gifts wrapped I can sit back and just enjoy the rest of the season.

I don't know about you but I cannot believe that we are already at Friday again. And what is with the weather??? It is going to be 80 degrees tomorrow. What is that about?

Can you even imagine just going about your business shopping and all of the sudden hearing shots and seeing people be hit? What kind of pandemonium would break loose? Then what in the world goes on in some one's mind that they want to kill themselves but want to do it in a way that makes them infamous?? My heart hurts for that young man thinking about what eternity will be like for him. My heart hurts for all those families that lost a loved one. It is never easy, but holidays must be the most difficult of all. How much more "peace on earth good will towards men" means to each of us thinking of this incident in Omaha. We could not help but think Steve's mother, brother, cousins, aunt, etc. could have been at that mall. But they were not thank goodness. Steve's brother works for a local news channel and had to spend a lot of overtime with the coverage.

So in the season of Advent today, December 6th, is the day that Saint Nicholas is celebrated. Here is some interesting information about him as told by Victor Hoagland, C.P.
Saint Nicholas, the 4th century saint who inspired our modern figure of Santa Claus, was born near Myra, a port on the Mediterranean Sea serving the busy sea lanes that linked the seaports of Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Ships sailing these waters, laden with grain and all kinds of goods, found safety in the port from raging storms and menacing pirates.
Nicholas came from one of the city's wealthy merchant families, but he was not spoiled by his family's wealth. His mother and father taught him to be generous to others, especially those in need. So Nicholas came to see that helping others makes one richer in life than anything else.
One day, by chance, Nicholas heard about a rich man in Myra who lost all his money when his business failed. The man had three lovely daughters, all wishing to get married, but he had no money for their marriage. Besides, who would marry them, he thought, since their father is such a failure? With nothing to eat, the man in desperation decided to sell one of his daughters into slavery. At least then the rest of them might survive.
That night before the first daughter was to be sold, Nicholas, with a small bag of gold in his hand, softly approached their house, and, tossing the gold through an open window, quickly vanished into the darkness.
The next morning, the father found a bag of gold lying on the floor next to his bed. He had no idea where it came from. "Maybe it's counterfeit," he thought. But as he tested it, he knew it was real. He went over the list of his friends and business associates. None of them could possibly have given him this.
The poor man fell to his knees and great tears came to his eyes. He thanked God for this beautiful gift. His spirits rose higher than they had been for a long time because someone had been so unexpectedly good to him. He arranged for his first daughter's wedding and there was enough money left for the rest of them to live for almost a year. Often he wondered: who gave them the gold?
But by the end of the year, the family again had nothing, and the father, again desperate and seeing no other way open, decided his second daughter must be sold. But Nicholas, hearing about it, came by night to their window and tossed in another bag of gold as before. The next morning the father rejoiced, and, thanking God, begged His pardon for losing hope. Who, though, was the mysterious stranger giving them such a gift?
Each night afterwards the father watched by the window. As the year passed their money ran out. In the dead of one night he heard quiet steps approaching his house and suddenly a bag of gold fell onto the floor. The father quickly ran out to catch the one who threw it there. He caught up with Nicholas some distance away and recognized him, for the young man came from a well-known family in the city.
"Why did you give us the gold?" the father asked.
"Because you needed it," Nicholas answered. "But why didn't you let us know who you were?" the man asked again. "Because it's good to give and have only God know about it."
When the bishop of Myra died, the priests and leading people of the city along with the neighboring bishops came together in their cathedral to select a new bishop. They prayed and asked God to point out who it would be. In a dream, God said to one of them that they should all pray together the next morning. Someone would come through the cathedral door as they prayed. He should be their choice.
It was Nicholas who entered the cathedral the next morning. Immediately, the people of the city named him their bishop, for they knew that this unassuming person, whose good deeds they had learned about, was meant by God to lead them.
As bishop of Myra, Nicholas seemed more aware than ever of people's needs. He would appear all over the city offering help to anyone in difficulty, then quietly disappear without waiting for thanks. He shunned publicity. Still, his reputation as a holy man grew and grew, even spreading to distant cities that had never seen him.
He was especially interested that families had enough to eat and a good place to live, that children got ahead in life, and that old people lived out their lives with dignity and respect. And he always loved the sailors living so dangerously on the sea. Without their ships, people everywhere would be without food and other goods they carried for trade.
Yet it is as a lover of children that Nicholas is best remembered today. While he lived, he gave the little ones he met small gifts-- some candy, a toy. His kindness, which always managed to surprise them, touched their hearts, and they learned from this holy man what a beautiful thing giving is.
In the figure of Santa Claus, whose name and activity Nicholas inspired, we have this saint with us today.

Day Five Verse

John 1:6-9

There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.

Advent Day Four

Today was the Christmas Brunch for Ladies Bible class. Anita Barton and Faye Legan made some delicious quiche. Pam Pobanz had us play a mixer game that provided us with a lot of laughs. Karla and Sarah gave us a very meaningful devotional. Karla introduced us to a new singer Todd Agnew who she said did not have a remarkable voice but had written some thought provoking lyrics on his album "Do You See What I See?". Sarah took the song "Glory To God" and had us think about the angels point of view the night Christ was born. Here are the lyrics:

It is such a silent night
Can they not hear it?
The son has come to earth tonight,
Can they not feel it?He's come to save all of mankind,
Can they not know it?
The song of heaven rings tonight
Can we not show it?

Can we sing yet? Can we shout yet?

Glory, glory to God, Glory in the highest.
Glory, glory to God, Glory in the highest.
And peace on earth, goodwill to men.

It was such a silent night,
The silence is broken
I think I hear a baby's cry
God has spoken
God's redemption drawing nigh
Can they not know it?
The song of heaven rings tonight,
Can we not show it?

Can we sing yet? Can we shout yet? Glory, glory to God, Glory in the highest.Glory, glory to God, Glory in the highest.And peace on earth, goodwill to men.

Do not fear, sing choirs of angels
Do not fear, sing in exaltation
Do not fear, sing all ye citizens
Do not fear, hosts of heaven above sing.

Day 4 Advent Scripture
John 1:1-5
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

Advent Day Three

First of all if you did not attend the annual RE Christmas sock party last night, you missed a really good time. I remember the first year Kelley Thomas hosted this and there were less than 10 of us there. But each year it has grown and grown and last night 37 women oohed, aahed and stole from each other to make sure they were going home with the cutest pair of socks or gloves. I laughed so hard my sides were hurting. Good times, great food, and fellowship.

So about four years ago I bought my first creche. Family Bookstore had their Willow Tree creche on sale for 50% off, so I got one. I have really enjoyed it each year but always have this thought about whether I should put the wisemen at the manger. I am surprised at how many people really don't know the wiseman did not see Jesus until he was approximately two and actually visited him at a house and not the manger. Matthew 2:11, 16 "On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him...When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi." So what do you think? Is it important to be biblically correct in setting up your creche? I talked to someone recently who said their sister actually places her wiseman in another room.

This is the scripture for Day Three of Advent

Mark 13:33-37 Take heed, watch; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Watch therefore--for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning-- lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Watch."

Finally, I found this article from Oswald Chambers "Upmost For The Highest" on drudgery and since I have read some blogs lately about people not really enjoying all the "tasks" of Christmas I thought I would post it because I thought he had some good things to say. "When it comes to taking the initiative against drudgery, we have to take the first step as though there were no God. There is no point in waiting for God to help us— He will not. But once we arise, immediately we find He is there. Whenever God gives us His inspiration, suddenly taking the initiative becomes a moral issue— a matter of obedience. Then we must act to be obedient and not continue to lie down doing nothing. If we will arise and shine, drudgery will be divinely transformed.
Drudgery is one of the finest tests to determine the genuineness of our character. Drudgery is work that is far removed from anything we think of as ideal work. It is the utterly hard, menial, tiresome, and dirty work. And when we experience it, our spirituality is instantly tested and we will know whether or not we are spiritually genuine. Read John 13. In this chapter, we see the Incarnate God performing the greatest example of drudgery— washing fishermen’s feet. He then says to them, "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet" (John 13:14 ). The inspiration of God is required if drudgery is to shine with the light of God upon it. In some cases the way a person does a task makes that work sanctified and holy forever. It may be a very common everyday task, but after we have seen it done, it becomes different. When the Lord does something through us, He always transforms it. Our Lord takes our human flesh and transforms it, and now every believer’s body has become "the temple of the Holy Spirit""

Brotherly Love

My baby brother Brad (who is 42 but will always be my baby brother) sends me a new Christmas decoration every year. He always picks these out by himself and does such a great job. This year he sent me a beautiful garland that goes on the top of my entertainment center very well and really dresses up the room.

By the way if someone can tell me how you get text to wrap next to pictures instead of above or below, I would really appreciate it.

Making Room For Jesus

I am the most guilty of getting so caught up in all the trappings of the holidays that I usually put Jesus on the back burner. My bible study time goes out the window, my prayer time goes out the window and all my focus is on shopping, baking, wrapping, mailing, decorating, partying, etc. etc. But in the last few years I have tried to be more intentional about simplifying and focusing on the true "reason for the season". It was several years ago when Sara Snyder talked about Advent and Advent wreaths and candles and since that time I have tried to learn a little bit more about Advent each year.

Just in case some of you don't know. The Christian liturgical season of Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day. This year that would have been yesterday, December 2nd. This is a season, not of celebration, but of anticipation and expectation, when we prepare to welcome Christ at Christmas. Advent concerns three ways Christ comes to us: long ago, as God incarnate in the newborn Jesus in Bethlehem; today, in our lives and our hearts, to awaken us to Life; and someday, as Christ triumphant, redeeming the entire world and bringing history to a close.

After Advent comes the traditional Christmas season - the festival celebration of Christ's coming - which begins at the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve and winds to a close on the day of Christmas, January 5. Can you imagine 12 days of celebration rather than one? Now that's more than worthy of weeks of anticipation!

CHRISTMAS PRAYER
Lord Jesus, we remember
that you were born into this world
on the first Christmas day.
Help us to remember,
that you were born in a stable
and cradled in a manger,
and so keep us from coveting wealth
and comfort and ease and luxury
which you never enjoyed.
Help us to remember,
that there was no room for you in the inn,
and grant that our lives
may never become so crowded
that there is no room in them for you.
Help us to remember,
that to you there came the shepherds
and the wise men,
and grant that learned and simple,
high and humble,
great and small,
may be joined in worshipping you
and loving you.
Help us to remember,
that you grew up in an ordinary home,
and went to school
and worked in a carpenter's shop;
and so grant that we may think
no task too humble and too common
our hands to touch,
when you, the Lord of Glory,
lived among the common things.
This we ask, for your love's sake.

1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving. I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—in all your speaking and in all your knowledge— because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.