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.

God's Call

I know that I said I would begin posting about Advent today, but Steve sent me something tonight that I just wanted to share with you. It is a great post by Os HilmanI have never heard of him, but Steve is currently reading one of his books and thinks he has some really good thoughts. This post actually came from his website at http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/marketplace/

The Depth and Width of Your Calling
2 Corinthians 1:6
If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.

"God must love you a lot! He doesn't allow someone to go through the kinds of adversity you have experienced unless He has a special calling on your life." Those were the words said to me by two different mentors at two different times within a three-year period. Later I would learn another related truth from a respected man of God-a man who lives in another country, a man whom God uses throughout the globe. "The depth and width of your faith experiences are directly proportional to your calling." What were these men of God saying?
They were describing a process of preparation that God takes each of His leaders through when He plans to use them in significant ways. A "faith experience" is an event or "spiritual marker" in your life about which you can say, "That is where I saw God personally move in my life." It is an unmistakable event in which God showed Himself personally to you. It was the burning bush for Moses; the crossing of the Red Sea or the Jordan River for the nation of Israel; Jacob's encounter with the angel. It was the feeding of the 5,000 for the disciples. It was the time when you saw God face to face in your life.
If God has plans of using you in the lives of many others, you can expect that He is going to allow certain faith experiences to come into your life in order to build a foundation that will be solid. That foundation is what you will be able to look back on to keep you faithful to Him in the times of testing. Each of us must have personal faith experiences in which we experience God personally so that we can move in faith to whatever He may call us. Do you need a personal faith experience right now in your life? Pray that God will reveal Himself to you. He delights in doing that."

I don't know anyone who wants to go through trials, so while I appreciate everything the author has said here and the thoughts it provoked I don't know how anyone would be bold enough to say "yes I need a personal faith experience right now in my life" and that would mean trials or suffering. Maybe the point is if we know ahead of time that God will always bless us through suffering and use it for His divine purposes, we will be better prepared to accept it when we do have to go through it because let's face it, none of us will live life without some kind of adversity. That is why we look so forward to heaven.

Christmas Patience

I had a meeting today in Allen and decided while I was there I would stop at Hobby Lobby, I wanted a Christmas skirt for my tree. I have always wanted a pretty one instead of the felt one I had but just would never spend the money on one. They were 50% off today so I picked up one, only to get home and realize on my receipt they had charged me for two!!!! I thought the total seemed too much, but thought maybe I just under estimated what I had bought. I should have checked my receipt before leaving, anyway I had to drive all the way back to Allen and then stand in line 30 minutes with all the other returns. Rather frustrating.

Anyway...you have to just exhibit patience this time of year, because there are always going to be lines. But my patience was really running short today because the lady behind me was talking on her cell phone. Why do people not care that you hear their private conversations? But in this case she began arguing with whoever was on the other end of the phone then she started cussing including the "f" word several times. I just wanted to grab the phone out of her ear and hang it up. So I started praying for her. I prayed that she would come to know the Lord and the peace He offers. I didn't really know how to reach out to her though so I didn't.

I have to admit I was a little disappointed that over 30 people read my blog today but only one responded to my question (Thanks Becky!), I really was interested in your thoughts about stores removing Christ from their advertising and just using Happy Holidays. I said I would reveal the reason today. I want to confess that while I do wish stores would just keep using Christmas in their advertising the reason I haven't jumped on the band wagon to boycott them is because in looking at my own heart I am not so sure I haven't done the same thing. I have always loved Christmas and decorating, shopping, etc. But if you entered my house you would think Christmas is about Santa or snowmen and maybe angels, but you would not know Christmas is about Christ. Until a couple of years ago when I bought my first creche. Now I have three.

But this year for the first time I am actually going to observe some of the Advent traditions and try to put Christ and Christ alone at the center of my Christmas. In the weeks to come I would like to just blog about this experience for me and some of the ideas I have found on the web for making the weeks leading up to Christmas more focused on Jesus. Growing up in the church of Christ, Christmas was always de-emphasized because it was said we didn't really know when Christ was born and it was more likely in the Spring time because that is when the shepherds would have been out in their fields. We were told we celebrate Jesus every Sunday. I know that this is true but there is something about the extra focus at this time of year that really stirs my heart. I think that whatever you feel about this time of year is okay because it falls under Romans 14:5 "One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind." So I hope in the weeks to come we can discover something about Advent together and if you already have Advent traditions, I would love for you to share them.

Happy Holidays

I get emails from the American Family Association alerting me to different issues they want you to take action on. Lately they have sent several different emails about several different companies taking Christmas out of their advertising and replacing it with Holiday (i.e. Holiday Sale, Happy Holidays, Holiday Shopping, etc.) They want you to send an email and let the company know that in their efforts to not offend non-christians they are actually offending Christians. So I just thought I would post the question and see what you all think. Does it offend you to see Merry Christmas made to Happy Holidays and such? Would you boycot a store for changing their advertising to Holidays? I do have a reason for asking that I will be revealing tomorrow (Saturday) even though I posted this so late it is actually Saturday already.
Blogger was giving me trouble earlier. Oh well...tell me what you think.

What A Savior

I came across the video today on Utube. Some of you may have already seen it, but because it touched me so, I thought I would post it.It is a song by Brad Paisley and Sara Evans entitled "New Again". I guess this movie was in the "Passion of Christ" but I do not remember it. I did find it difficult to watch anew the protrayal of Jesus being crucified. I will never understand why my Jesus went through such agony for a sinner such as me. I am forever grateful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NaSROohLzs

I decorated the outside of the house today for Christmas. Didn't quite finish it, so will take another picture to post when it is all completed, but wanted to share this cute blow up nativity
that I found at Garden Ridge this year.

.

Hollywood Surprise

Last night I was reading the current issue of Reader's Digest (Steve's mother gets it for us every year). Anyway there was an article about Denzel Washington entitled "Keeping The Faith". I found it refreshing to find a major star in Hollywood being very vocal about his faith. It says that he is a member of the Church of God in Christ. I wasn't sure what that church was so "googled" it and discovered it is primarily an African-American pentecostal church. Anyway...just thought I would post some of Denzel's answers to questions (in red) he was asked because I think anytime a Christian can stand up for their beliefs in Hollywood they should be praised.

Do you consider yourself a spiritual person? Definitely
In what way? I read the Bible everyday. I'm in my second pass through now in the book of John. My pastor told me to start with the New Testament and I did maybe two years ago. Worked my way through it, then the Old Testament. Now I am back in the New Testament but it is better the second time around.

How do you get through the hard times? You have faith. And discipline as well. You have to work at it. I was just reading today: One day you're going to have to walk with God where you can't understand where He is taking you. Your techniques, skill set and connections won't get you through. So don't try it on your own.

What does this say to you? It says. He's got you covered. My faith helps me understand that circumstances don't dictate my happiness.

How do you deal with fame? It ain't about me. The one thing for me understanding how I understand God, is that it keeps me humble, keeps the pronouns out of the picture.

You're a national spokesperson for the Boys and Girls club and you and your wife work with a number of charities. Why have you gotten so involved? It is what the Bible teaches. It's the right thing to do. And it's selfish. There's a lot of gratification in knowing you help people. We realize how blessed we are and feel a responsibility to share.

What are you reading? Books? I don't have time. Except the Bible, the no. 1 best seller.

Anyway...just thought his answers were interesting and honest. He is getting ready to celebrate his 25th anniversary with his wife. I just wish the news would cover more stories like this one rather than the Brittany, Lindsay, etc. And speaking of that what in the world is Tony Romo doing with Jessica Simpson??? Let us all remember to pray that Hollywood can be redeemed for the Lord.

Dancing With The Stars

So am I the only one that is sad to see Dancing With The Stars be over? I think I have enjoyed this season the most so far. There were just so many dancers that brought a lot of fun to the show. I was really surprised that Elio won! I really liked him the best, but honestly thought Mel was the best dancer over all. At first I thought she was a little too full of herself, but I warmed up to her the last few episodes. But Elio's charisma was so fun to watch every week. I also think that maybe his partner Julianne got a lot more publicity than others and maybe that helped?

I found it interesting that both Marie and Jayne continued even with the death of a parent. I am not sure I could do that. When you think of "stars" you don't think of them having a problem with a low self image, but Jenny Garth was so vulnerable in revealing her fear of dancing live before a crowd. I actually thought she grew the most as a dancer. And of course there will always be Mark Cuban and his "Trailers For Sale Or Rent". The one dancer I just did not enjoy at all was Wayne Newton. I know he has his reputation as an entertainer, I do think he should probably give it up.

While I do admit the women could wear a little more clothing it is just refreshing to turn on the T.V. and not hear any cussing or promotion of homosexuality on a show. I wish my leg was a lot better and I would ask for the Dancing With The Stars video game for Christmas. It would be fun to try the dances. Anyway...I for one think this show has been so much better than Monday Night Football!!!!!!!!!!

I Am Adopted

I am adopted and so are you.

I mentioned in yesterday's blog about the communion thought by the young man at the Central church of Christ in Wichita. His name was Todd Ramsey. He mentioned that he and his wife had the opportunity to attend an adoption luncheon with Steven Curtis Chapman and that Steven told them that we are all adopted children, that God has adopted those of us who have accepted His Son as our Savior as His children. Todd read Hebrews 2:10-11 " In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family." Let that sink in. Do I really understand what it means to be in the same family as my Lord Jesus Christ?
I went up to Todd after services and told him I understood a little of what he was saying because I know what it is like to be loved as a daughter by a man who I call father but who I was not born to. In fact he did not become a father to me until I was 15. Yet, he never treated me as a stepchild nor showed me any less love than his two daughters. I have been so blessed by the unconditional love he has showered on me even when I have been less than perfect.
Yet, I think I just don't dwell on what it means that I am a co-heir with Jesus Christ. Because of Him, I will share in His inheritance. What did I do to deserve that? Absolutely nothing.

But Romans 8: 15-17 says "you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba,Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." Why would God allow me to share in the glory of His son? Jesus gave so much more than I will ever give, I do not deserve to share in His glory, but God has said I am a co-heir. Amazing!

I am thankful that Todd helped me to reflect on this during communion and I can guarantee you I partook yesterday with a more grateful spirit for God's amazing gift. Hope that you will rejoice in the fact that Jesus has done this for you too. As the Pointer Sisters would say "We Are Family".

Home Again

Steve and I arrived back home about 6:00 this evening. For some reason that last three hours was much harder! I was really glad to get out of the car. We had a good trip and are so thankful for God's protection and getting home safely. Last night we stayed in Wichita and went to the Central church of Christ this morning. We have a couple of men we know there from our association with the Christian Education Association. It was a great service! The young man that did the communion thought especially touched my heart. I will share what he said tomorrow.

Looking at other's blogs, it looks like everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving. Steve is still off for several days and will help me start decorating for Christmas. This will be my first time in three years to get to decorate, so I am looking forward to it. I think it is a year that I would like to get a live tree. I do that about every 5 years. They are so much more trouble, but I just love the smell.

Here are a couple of the pictures of the snow in Omaha as promised.

It's Snowing!!

It is snowing here in Omaha!! It was snowing when we woke up this morning and has continued all morning thus covering the ground in that pretty white covering. I'll have to post you all a picture later since I am using my mother in laws computer and did not bring the camera equipment to post. But it is so pretty! The big fern trees branches are all white. I love snow although I am sure if I lived somewhere where it happened every day for months I would grow tired of it. But this is perfect Thanksgiving weather. I am glad I brought warm clothes. Snow is just so pure and it reminds me again of the way that God brings a cleansing to all of our ugliness. The best part is just sitting and watching it fall from the sky. I wish that Steve's mom's house had better windows to watch it from but most of them are small and high so that when you are sitting you can sit out. If I had built a house on this 10 acres of beautiful property I would have had huge picture windows along the entire back. So...for now I just have to come and stand by the window and enjoy.
Hope you all have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving tomorrow.

Things I Am Thankful For

So there have been a lot of blogs out there where people have listed 100 things about themselves. Steve and I are on our way to Omaha for Thanksgiving today so I thought what a better thing for me to do than to just list things that I am thankful for. I won't be posting anymore this week, so I hope that you all have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving.

I AM THANKFUL:

1. for my salvation
2. for my Lord Jesus
3. that God's mercies being new every morning
4. for the promise of heaven
5. for God's faithfulness to His Word
6. that God has adopted me as His daughter
7. that God has blessed me with a mother who taught me about Him
8. for God giving me such a wonderful husband
9. that my husband loves me with an unconditional love
10. that God blessed with with Godly father (even though I was 15 when he came into my life)
11. for all my siblings
12. for my nieces and nephews
13. for great nephews and great niece
14. for aunts and uncles
15. for many, many, many friends
16. for friends who actually enjoy my company
17. and yes for inlaws
18. for the opportunity to minister to abused children
19. for the opportunity to minister to children who love Him
20. for religious freedom
21. for living in a free country
22. for those who lay down their lives to help us have freedom
23. for my church family
24. for the generosity of my church family
25. for the elders of my church family
26. for all those who teach children, youth or adults at my church
27. for my Life group
28. for my Supper Club
29. for my Bunco group
30. for this wonderful word God has created
31. for all the beautiful colors
32. for all the awesome animals (except flies, mosquitoes, snakes, bees, spiders & hornets)
33. that God forgives me for not being thankful for them all
34. for the ocean and the waves of grace that wash in over and over
35. for the majestic mountains
36. for the sweet smell of rain
37. for the awesome sound of thunder
38. for the music of a rushing river
39. for the soft feel of fleece
40. for the sweet miracle of babies
41. for my home
42. for our financial blessings
43. for reliable transportation
44. for my college education
45. for all those who have taught me
46. for Jesus defeating Satan
47. for the knowledge that one day every knee will bow to our Savior
48. for all the faithful who have gone before me
49. for all those that lay down their lives to protect and serve
50. for those that lead the way in caring for the poor
51. for our sweet widow and widowers that show us how faith walks in the midst of lonely days
52. for all those battling pain every day of their lives with dignity
53. for doctors
54. for nurses
55. for all types of therapists (physical, occupational, speech, emotional, recreational)
56. for garbage men
57. for mail persons
58. for pilots and planes
59. for chefs
60. for wait staff
61. for chocolate
62. for cheesecake
63. for pizza, Mexican food, Chinese food, a good steak, baked potatoes
64. for ripe tomatoes
65. for the smell of popcorn
66. for fresh peaches
67. for laughter
68. for health
69. for perspective
70. for music
71. for a comfortable bed
72. for smiles
73. for my two legs
74. that I can walk
75. for fall
76. for snow
77. for spring
78. for pools in the summer
79. for my family cabin in Ruidoso
80. for vacations
81. for missionaries
82. for stories of martyrs
83. for martyrs
84. for miracles
85. for answered prayer
86. for people who rescue children
87. for hymn writers
88. for contemporary christian singers
89. for ears to listen
90. for eyes to see
91. for hands to type blog entries
92. for mouths to sing praise
93. for organ donors
94. for those who love me enough to speak truth
95. that God has allowed my father to live one more year
96. for great authors
97. for the knowledge that in the end Satan will be defeated
98. for the way Steve loves my parents and cares for them
99. for every blessing on this list and so much more
100. for all my blog buddies who have actually read through this list

여보세요 이것은 Steve이다

Oftentimes when we get a sales call Steve answers the phone in Korean. Unfortunately, because Korean is written in characters, it is hard for me to translate for you, but 여보세요 이것은 Steve이다, is Hello this is Steve and sounds something like ....Steve numeda. I always laugh, because it is too funny. It is interesting how the person on the line just keeps on going. Tonight the girl asked if he spoke English and he said "nay" which is "yes" in Korean. She said "well, since you don't speak English I will let you go". He told her "thank you" in Korean. Guess there is more than one way to get your name off of someone's call list??

Loving Like Jesus

I was blessed today to sit at the hospital with a family waiting for their loved one to have surgery. A stranger named Paulette came and sat next to me and just started talking. Her husband was in surgery, they had been married 43 years and lived in East Texas, so she was without any friends. Her daughter lives in Colorado, I didn't catch where her son lived, but here she was waiting by herself. The family I was with on the other hand had all four children, their spouses and grandchildren waiting as well as six others from church. I asked Paulette if she had a church family and she said no that she had not been to church since she was a child.
I talked to her a little about my accident and how wonderful my church family had been throughout that ordeal. She said her community (about 500 people) do come together for one another. I am sure that is true, but it can't be the same as being loved on and prayed for by people who are really sharing Jesus and trusting in the power of prayer and not just being a good neighbor. I can only pray she got a little glimpse of Him tonight.

As God often does, on my way home He spoke to me through a Casting Crowns song "Love Them Like Jesus".

The love of her life is drifting away
They're losing the fight for another day
The life that she's known is falling apart
A fatherless home, a child's broken heart
You're holding her hand, you're straining for words
You trying to make - sense of it all
She's desperate for hope, darkness clouding her view
She's looking to you

Just love her like Jesus, carry her to Him
His yoke is easy, His burden is light
You don't need the answers to all of life's questions
Just know that He loves her and stay by her side
Love her like Jesus
Love her like Jesus

The gifts lie in wait, in a room painted blue
Little blessing from Heaven would be there soon
Hope fades in the night, blue skies turn to gray
As the little one slips away
You're holding her hand, you're straining for words
You're trying to make sense of it all
They're desperate for hope, darkness clouding their view
They're looking to you

Just love them like Jesus, carry them to Him
His yoke is easy, His burden is light
You don't need the answers to all of life's questions
Just know that He loves them and stay by their side
Love them like Jesus

Lord of all creation holds our lives in His hands
The God of all the nations holds our lives in His hands
The Rock of our salvation holds our lives in His hands
He cares for them just as He cares for you
So love them like Jesus, love them like Jesus
You don't need the answers to all of life's questions
Just know that He loves them and stay by their side
Love them like Jesus
Love them like Jesus

Wedding Rings

My niece Danette sent two emails today with two sweet things to share. Here is the first:

Does he not have the brightest blue eyes?

But then she sent this and I thought it was sweet and wanted to share it with all of you.

Why should the wedding ring be worn on the fourth finger?
There is a beautiful and convincing explanation given by the Chinese. Thumb represents your Parents Second (Index) finger represents your Siblings Middle finger represents your-Self Fourth (Ring) finger represents your Life Partner & the Last (Little) finger represents your children Firstly, open your palms (face to face), bend the middle fingers and hold them together - back to back (as in the figure below) This represents you and your husband bowing before God and humbling yourselves to one another (my sister Caren added this sentence)

Secondly, open and hold the remaining three fingers and the thumb - tip to tip Now, try to separate your thumbs (representing the parents)..., they will open, because your parents are not destined to live with you lifelong, and have to leave you sooner or later. Please rejoin your thumbs as before and separate your Index fingers (representing siblings), they will also open, because your brothers and sisters will have their own families and will have to lead their own separate lives. Now rejoin the Index fingers and separate your Little fingers (representing your children), they will open too, because the children also will get married and settle down on their own some day. Finally, rejoin your Little fingers, and try to separate your Ring fingers (representing your spouse). You will be surprised to see that you just CANNOT, because Husband & Wife have to remain together all their lives - through thick and thin!! Especially when the Lord is in the center!

Another Song Story

Today I was watching a program and the guest was Mark Cohn. I did not know of him because I have not listened to much secular music for about 20 years. However, he told his story of how he was shot in the head after a concert in Denver in an attempted carjacking. He said the bullet hit the only area it could and not do damage. It had caused him to rethink life and had eanabled him to break a 9 year writing block and write again. His new album "Join The Parade" came out in October. Well he sang this song this morning and some of the lyrics caught my attention. I bolded the ones that did.

Live Out the String
Maybe life is curious to see what you would do
With the gift of being left alive
How love, how give
Spread the higher purpose
And cut through all the shuck and jive
It’s only natural, maybe superstitious
To try and find the meaning in beating the odds
Cause sometimes you gotta (get down on your knees)
Sometime (could you get down on your knees)
Sometimes baby (maybe get down on your knees)
And thank the whole wide universe of God’s for letting you…
Live out the string

A little longer boy
Raise your voice and make a joyful noise
Ain’t no guarantee of anything
Live out the string
Now that a meteorite has fallen in the chair
You just got out of to answer the phone
Will you live every moment like it just might be the last
Or will you still just b**** and moan
Fate is kind, fate is cruel, fate is terminally cool
It’s a random interruption in the middle of your groove
But sometime (won’t you get down on your knees)
Sometime (get down on your knees)
Sometimes baby (better get down on your knees)
And find yourself a deeper groove, yeah…
Live out the string

A little longer boy
Raise your voice and make a joyful noise
Ain’t no guarantee of anything
So live out the string (the string)
Who knows if we got angels on our shoulders (move on)
Right now with the devil in the street
Who knows if it means we got more work to do
But hey baby, don’t the air taste sweet
Hey baby, don’t the air taste sweet(hey baby, don’t the air taste sweet)
Get down on your knees
Get down on your knees
Live out the string
Live out the string(yeah-ah, yeah-ah, yeah-ah)
Maybe life is curious to see what you would do
with the gift of being left alive

It indeed is a gift to be alive and I pray I will be more deliberate about making a difference with the life that I have.

I Am An Addict

I know that it may surprise some of you for me to admit on this blog that I am an addict. I have been an addict for a very long time. I thought in the past couple of months that I had finally overcome my addiction, but I have once again fallen. I know that I need a support group instead of trying to beat this on my own, but just haven't had the courage to admit my addiction until now. Here it is............I am addicted to children! They are so precious and they bring my heart such great joy!!

A few weeks ago God whispered in my ear that just because I was not currently a children's minister it did not mean I could not minister to children. Then I found out that Bill Thoma and Beth Netherton needed help in their 5th and 6th grade Sunday morning classroom. So today was mine and Steve's second week in the class. This a great group of kids and I am thankful for the opportunity to be with them. This morning Beth asked me if I would share with them the blessings I have found in the hardship of the past two years and I was able to share with them some of the things I have been sharing with you for the past couple of weeks.
Bless their little hearts, they were so attentive.

Then tonight I was blessed to be able to sing with the CAREkids. Several adults were asked to sing with them for their Christmas musical and I was blessed to be one of them. They did so good and I couldn't believe what a young group this is! How did MacKenzie Stevens, Katie Siburt, Emma Eason, et.al. become CAREkids already?? I know they dropped the age to Kindergarten this year, but still. Anyway...it was so fun being with them all.

So there you have it. Just when I think I have this addiction whooped one of those kids gives me a hug and I am out of control all over again. I guess I should just thank God for the love and passion He has given me for His kids. I guess I will just give in to the addiction and know that I will never be cured. Praise the Lord indeed.

Four Things About Myself

My friend Grace sent an email with this request, so just thought I would share it with the blog world.

Four Things About Myself

1) Places I Have Lived: El Paso, TX, Pascagoula, MS, Mobile, AL, Lubbock, TX, Huntsville, TX, Houston, TX, Parma, ID, San Benito, TX, Spring Hill, TN, Chino, CA, Duncanville, TX, Mesquite, TX and Richardson, TX

2) Four T.V. shows I watch: Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader, Dancing With The Stars, 24, Cold Case

3) Four websites I visit daily: Mostly visit blogs, but some websites are www.christianeducator.org (Christian Education Association), www.heartlight.org (daily devotionals), www.odusa.org (Open Doors-praying for the persecuted church)

4) Four places I would rather be right now: Kauai, New Zealand, Big Sur, shopping

So there you have it, some trivia you may not have known. Have a blessed rest of the weekend.

Second Frame

Well yesterday we had computer problems and I wasn't able to access the internet. Amazing how lost I felt not being able to read my daily blogs???? I actually had to sit and read a book. Maybe it should go down more often??

Today my mom and I went to "Neath the Wreath" at the Plano Center. Wow! I had no idea there were so many women free on a Friday! It was so crowded! But that didn't keep me from buying a few things. I found a picture I could not resist that says "I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining, in love even when I'm alone and in God even He is silent". They say this saying was etched on the walls of a Nazi prison camp. Of course it just spoke of my journey and I had to have it and now it hangs on the wall right by my chair I sit in most of the time. I saw another saying that I liked, but didn't buy it. "When you stumble, make it part of the dance". I thought it was good as well. I just always need help in looking at things from the postitive point of view.

So back to my journey story. We were thrilled when the frame came off so far ahead of schedule and were praising God for His mercy and care. I was getting back to work and actually worked up to 30 hours and things seemed to finally be getting back on track. Then came the bad news. My bone was bending. The doctor described it like a young tree. While it was healed it just wasn't strong enough yet to support me walking so I had to go back into the second frame. Emotionally this was so difficult, physically not so much. I knew what to expect, although this time the tightening of the screws was more painful because there were several more and we were now twisting the bone back instead of moving it down. I didn't have to go to rehab this time. But emotionally I was back on the roller coaster. The "why's" plagued me again. I had given God all the glory and praise for healing me ahead of schedule so why tease me? Why make me think it was sooner, when really it would end up being longer than first said? It just seemed like a cruel twist. Yet I kept telling myself "God is good".

I have said it before but for me what was important is that I kept reminding myself of the truths about God, not focus on what I was feeling. Feelings are so deceptive. But truth is truth and we either believe it or we don't. I am still not 100% at being able to do this, but I am continually reminding myself of the truth. I don't know how much longer it will take for me to not worry that something else is going to go wrong? But this I do know, whatever is yet to come I will be able come through it as well. I am a fighter and as I said in an earlier post, I know the Lord has spared my life because He has a purpose for me. I would like it to be crystal clear as to what it is, but I will wait patiently while He continues to reveal it.

Rehab Take Two

When I got the fixator I had to return to rehab. It was so sweet because my old staff tried really hard not to just get me back on their floor, but to actually get me back in my old room. It didn't work but I thought it was so sweet that they tried. I ended up one floor down on the third floor, but was so touched when they would still come visit me even though I wasn't on their floor. Fortunately, I was able to return to the rehab routine fairly quickly. Once again my favorite part was going to the pool and being able to walk with the frame on. And at least this time I was able to get in and out of bed. I just had to build up the strength in my arms in order to walk with the walker.

I didn't journal during this time for some reason so I don't remember how long I actually was in rehab this time but I think it was just a couple of weeks. Anyway...when I returned home there was quite a bit of pain because we had to turn screws every day to move the bone down.

It was very amazing how the technology actually worked you can see in the x-ray below. At the bottom is where the infection was and then the gap at the top is where we moved the bone down and new bone had to grow. In this x-ray the bottom had not met yet, but it would.

I was thankful for gaucho and palazzo pants. Genell McClendon was sweet and made me 3 covers for the frame that I was able to wear with my skirts and dresses so that it was not so scary for the children at church. I was also thankful for a new bed. Workman's comp got me one of those Craftmatic beds and it made all the difference in being able to sleep with the frame on. However, I didn't have rubber sheets so I kept getting them caught and ripping them on the frame.

The other blessing of the frame is that I was able to return to ministry part time. My favorite memory of the frame was that I had mentioned wanting to decorate it for Christmas and Kelley Thomas came to church with some red garland for me to wrap around it. It wouldn't be until the following year and frame 2 that I actually wrapped Christmas lights around it. I was suppose to wear the frame for 9-12 months but we were thrilled when after 7 months the doctor said it was ready come off. We rejoiced and gave thanks. Once again I thought I was returning to some type of normalcy. But it was short lived. I'll talk about that tomorrow.