Perspective, Perspective

Today Steve and I were blessed to go visit Pat Wykes in the hospital. For those of you that read my blog that do not know her. Pat has been battling cancer. I don't know what kind. She had been in remission and was doing well, but another cancer came and it was worst than the first. Last week she had a stem cell transplant. It is amazing procedure. They take out all your bone marrow and then some how return your own stem cells which then make new bone marrow. Unfortunately, it is not an easy procedure or an easy recovery. Pat will have to remain in the hospital until January 30th which means she will be there on Christmas.

I felt really helpless today. There are no words to say that can make Pat feel better. It is hard enough to just feel absolutely lousy, but to be so isolated during the season where everyone else is busy with parties, family and celebrations.
My heart just hurt for her.

So please take time out of your business this week to pray for Pat. If you know her let's saturate her with emails and let her know she has not been forgotten. paww@swbell.net

Of course her sweet husband Bob is a constant by her side. Steve and I learned a lot about the lives of a caretaker during my journey. It is not easy. So if you think about it email Bob too and just encourage him. bwpw@swbell.net

Finally, spend some time thanking God for His goodness to you and that you have your health and family this holiday season.

The Purpose of Christmas

Today I spent some time reading Rick Warren's book "The Purpose of Christmas". There were several things He said that caused me to ponder and I thought I would share them.

"God's Christmas gift to you has three qualities that make it unique. First, it is the most expensive gift you will ever receive. It's priceless, Jesus had to pay for it with His life. Second, it's the only gift you will ever receive that will last forever. Finally,it is an extremely practical gift--one you will use every day for the rest of your life."

"The first purpose of Christmas is celebration. We learn this from the angel's opening statement to the shepherds in Bethlehem. God had wonderful news for all of us to rejoice, celebrate, and throw a party. Luke 2:10-I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people."

"Whenever I start to feel anxious about a situation, I remind myself that fear is often False Evidence Appearing Real. God came to earth at Christmas to remind you that He is with you, no matter where you are. That's a fact whether you feel it or not."

"Acts 13:36 says of David 'he served God's purposes in his generation.' It is the ultimate definition of a life well lived."

"Grace is when God freely gives you what you need even though you don't deserve it and can never repay Him. Grace is when God solves your greatest problem before you even know it is a problem. Grace is the face of God when He looks at your faults, failures and fears. Grace is God's Riches at Christ's Expense."

"If you sacrificed all you had to buy me a priceless and personalized Christmas gift and I never took the time to unwrap and open it, how would you feel? You'd be disappointed, hurt, and angry at my callous rejection of your generous love. And for me, the gift would be worthless if I left it wrapped and sitting in the corner. There would be zero benefit to me. It is astounding that so many people have celebrated Christmas every year of their lives without every having opened their greatest and most expensive Christmas gift. Jesus Christ is God's Christmas gift to you. In Jesus, your past is forgiven, you get purpose for living and you get a home in heaven. Why celebrate Christmas if you're not going to open the best gift of all?"

Last year on December 20th I was posting my thoughts about attending the funeral of Morris James. Today, I was blessed to be a part of the celebration for his sweet wife Mildred. I couldn't help but think driving this morning that it just wasn't a very pretty day for a funeral. Even though we know that there are so many reasons to be joyful when a faithful Christian dies, it still would be nice if they could have optimal circumstances for their passing: peacefully with no suffering, a pretty day and not during the holiday season. Yet, I was driving this morning I knew my dear friend Andrea also lost her mother last night and our friend Tim lost his mother this morning. So the reality is our homecoming with God will come in His time not ours and regardless how we feel, that timing is always perfect.

My heart hurt to know how difficult this last year of life has been for Mildred without her love of this life, Morris. But sitting in front of me were Orville Collins, Wanda Wood, Dorothy McFarland, and Nell Jackson who all know too well what it means to life life without your partner as well. Once again I was struck by an overwhelming sense of thankfulness for these precious senior saints who have lived a life of faith in front of me and have kept my feet and heart turned in the right direction. Mildred and all these others have shown me what it means to love God and let that love spill out in service of His people. John said that Mildred was a "bucket filler", she poured out into other's lives what had been poured into hers. I pray that more and more I will be a "bucket filler" as well.

Mildred had been a member of RE for over 50 years. I cannot even imagine!! Can you imagine being a part of a faith community that long? Your friends have children, who have children, who have children. Think of all the things that life brings that you have walked through together when you have been in fellowship for 50 years. Every time I go to a funeral of a senior saint I am just blessed. It is better than any sermon you could ever hear just to know that someone has won the race. But there are some that just win it in such a way that makes me want to love my God more and serve Him better. Mildred James was one of those. I am thankful for the way she embodied "living right, loving mercy and walking humbly with her God". Micah 6:8

John quoted a passage from Ruth 2:12 "May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge." It is our prayer for Mildred on this day. My prayer for myself is that I will run the race with the same kind of fervor and when my time comes to go home that I will have left footprints worth following.

Jesus Is Better Than Santa

I thought I posted this last year, but did a search and could not find it, so thought I would post it today. Last week in Bible class I asked my fifth graders what their families were doing to celebrate Jesus and none of them were doing anything, even though I had explained some of Advent to them and challenged them to to home and try to get their parents to have one night each week where they focused on the "reason for the season". Why is it that is so much easier for us to focus on all the trappings of Christmas rather than our Lord and Savior?

Jesus is Better than Santa

Santa lives at the North Pole. JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh. JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year. JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies. JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited. JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.

You have to stand in line to see Santa. JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap.JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?" JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly. JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO. JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry", JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.

Santa's little helpers make toys. JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but. JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

Santa is a myth. But Jesus is the Truth, the Way, and the Life

While Santa puts gifts under your tree. JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.

May the Holy Spirit nudge each of us to spend some time in celebration for the real "reason for the season".

Hope everyone is staying in and staying warm. After I type this...me and a cup of hot chocolate have a date :)

Pictures with Santa

Today I had to take my mom to Walmart to get some prescriptions and thought I would kill two birds with one stone and shop for some items we needed to complete some of the Angel Tree packages at church. It is no secret to my regular Blog readers that I hate Walmart. Today did not disappoint. I just don't know why they cannot make their aisles big enough for a cart to go down in either direction. If someone is on an aisle you want to be on you better make sure they are going the same direction and then just be patient until they finish looking at whatever they want to look at. Unfortnately, people are not going to be that patient with you and you will need to move and come back around to accomodate them.

Have been seeing some cute pictures of children with Santa lately. Most of them the kids are crying and not very happy campers. My niece Danette sent one of my great nephew Talon. I just love the way they are looking at each other.

Sunday Snippets

Haven't done a Sunday Snippet in awhile. This morning Steve and I were blessed to go over to Highland Oaks to listen to Randy Harris. I taught Bible class and then we dashed out. If you don't know who Randy Harris is, he is a Bible professor at ACU. We have heard him speak several times over the years and knew that we would be blessed to hear him today. We were not disappointed. Randy reminded us that we can all be like the Innkeeper in Bethlehem and miss the opportunity to be in fellowship with Jesus. He asked the question "Do you think that after Jesus was born the Innkeeper was wishing he could have a do over?" He jokingly said "wouldn't it have been nice to be able to put a plaque up in the lobby of his hotel that said 'Jesus slept here'". In Revelation 3:19 Jesus says He is knocking at the door, but we have to open it in order for Him to come in and eat with us.

Randy then showed a video where Joshua Bell, a classical pianist, participated in a social experiment in January 2007. He positioned himself at the L'ENFANT PLAZA STATION which is part of the subway station in Washington and played some of the hardest classical pieces for 43 minutes. Over 1,000 people passed by while he was playing and paid him no attention. These same people would have had to pay $100.00 for the cheapest seats to hear him in a concert, but they paid him no mind. He had put out a case to collect money and had only raised $12.00 before a lady recognized him and gave him a $20.00. Here is what that lady had to say "says. "Joshua Bell was standing there playing at rush hour, and people were not stopping, and not even looking, and some were flipping quarters at him! Quarters! I wouldn't do that to anybody. I was thinking, Omigosh, what kind of a city do I live in that this could happen?"

Randy used this to further his point that we are surrounded by the presence of Jesus and do we take the time to notice it or not? As we rush about and scurry we may miss the Lord of Lords and King of Kings because He almost never appears the way we expect it? In Matthew 25, Jesus tells what is going to happen at His second coming and what He will say to the sheep and the goats. Basically he either praises them or condemns them for the way they treated Him when He was poor, hungry, sick, thirsty, naked and in prison. Both groups question when they had seen Him at all, to which He replies "Inasmuch as ye did it(or did it not) to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me." They had missed Jesus by not recognizing His presence in people.

Randy ended by reminding us all that when we serve others we are actually serving Jesus and because of that we will always be the most blessed. I left this morning convicted that I don't want to be the one that wants a do over because I did not recognize my Savior.
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Christmas Trivia

I found these tricky. The answers are below. Hope you have fun trying and have a good weekend.

1. How do sheep in Mexico say Merry Christmas?
2. Why was Santa's helper down in the dumps?
3. Why does Scrooge love Rudolph?
4. Where do polar bears vote?
5. What do you get when you cross an archer with a Christmas gift-wrapper?
6. What did Santa shout to his toys on Christmas Eve?
7. According to their hit song, what's always number one on Alvin the Chipmunk's Christmas list?
8. Everyone knows Rudolph comes in handy if it's foggy Christmas Eve, but what would we be flying over if it was a voggy Christmas Eve?
9. Who wrote Christmas Bells?
10. Can you name the holiday hit Bobby Helms is famous for?
11. Why did the elf put his bed into the fireplace?
12. How would you fire Santa?
13. What did one of Santa's elves put on the Internet?
14. What do they eat for breakfast at the North Pole?
15. What nationality is Santa?
16. What kind of motorcycle does Santa drive?
17. What does Santa call his fishing rod?


1)Fleece Navidad
2) Because he had low elf esteem
3) Because every buck is dear to him
4) At the North Poll
5) Ribbon Hood
6) "All right everyone, it's sack time!"
7) A hoola-hoop
8) A volcano . . The hazy weather condition caused by volcanic gases is called "vog".
9) Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
10) Jingle Bell Rock
11) He wanted to sleep like a log
12) Give him the sack
13) A gnome page
14) Snowflakes
15) North Polish
16) A Holly Davidson
17) The North Pole

I'm Dizzy

Today Steve and I applied for passports because this summer we are going on an Alaskan cruise and will need a passport when we stop for the day in Victoria, Canada.
Who knew it would take up most of the day? Of course we started out in Richardson at the main post office. We quickly discovered that my birth certificate from the hospital and a document of citizenship would not suffice. I had to have an official copy of the state registered certificate. So then we had to go to the Collin County office in Plano. After paying $23.00 for a copy we were excited to see there was a different passport office right next door. So we go in only to find out we have to have two forms of payment. Either two separate checks or a check and cash. Well, we did not have the checkbook because we NEVER pay anything by check anymore. They did not do money orders (which is the way we were told to pay at the Post Office). Of course if the guy at the post office would have set the scenario up for us (after all he did give us a map)then we could have got the money order at the post office and taken it with us, but no....we had to return to the post office location and then wait 45 minutes to be seen again. Also, who would have thought that passports cost $75.00, plus a $40.00 processing fee??? The most frustrating thing is that we then missed the beginning of "Australia" which I was hoping to see today. Guess the good news is we now will have the passports and can look forward to a cool trip (no pun intended)this summer.

Voice of Martyrs

Today I got a mailing from Voice of Martyrs. There were stories about Christians in India in the state of Orissa, they are facing persecution. Hindu radicals are persecuting them. In the village of Rudangia they targeted Lalji Nayak where they drug him out of his home and stuck a knife to his neck. They yelled at him to renounce Christ and demanded he "reconvert" and become a Hindu. When he refused they drove the knife deeper into his neck until blood gushed and then began to beat him with an axe. When he continued to cling to Christ they left him for dead and he died the next day at a nearby hospital.

Another story, "Are you afraid to die for Jesus?" Pastor Freddy Cherian asked the 40 or so Christians gathered at his home. While he was preaching his 72 year old father sat in a chair listening. Suddenly there was a loud commotion and dozens of Hindu radicals burst in. They beat Pastor Freddy with iron rods. The grabbed his father and split open his skull. They told him he would die unless he dined Christ. "You can kill me, but I will never deny Christ". They then beat the other churchgoers who were trying to protect the 72 year old. Through it all the believers were shouting praises of "Hallelujah".

Then there is Manimi Digal, 14 years old. she was raped, beaten and doused with gas and burned by Hindu radicals. In the hospital she said, "I feel closer to God now more than before. I love Jesus and want to follow him all my life."

That is the amazing thing about persecution. It actually advances the cause of Christ instead of deterring it. There was a story of a couple that drove 800 miles to be baptized. They traveled all night, crammed into a small mini-van because they could not be baptized in their own village. Christians make up only 2 percent of the population of India, but in Orissa where the persecution is strong 30 percent of the population is now Christian. Yet since August, 2008, 70,000 Christians have been displaced, 4,000 homes have been destroyed, 450 churches have been burned and 87Christians have died.

As we all celebrate this season of Christmas, let us not forget those throughout the world who also believe in the birth of our Savior, but suffer death to celebrate it.
I for one feel so guilty that I live here in freedom, but do not take a stand that would not even cost me my life. I sit idly by and don't speak up when prayer is not allowed in school, when teachers are told they cannot wear their cross jewelry, when homosexuals want to redefine marriage, when Merry Christmas is being changed to Happy Holidays and on and on it goes. May this season renew my courage and convict my heart that Jesus was not just a baby in a manager, but He indeed is Lord and Savior and may I be willing to stand for that truth always.

A Baby Changes Everything

Shari Hoyt posted this song by Faith Hill on her Facebook night before last and I thought I would share it here. I had not heard it before and at first just thought it was a song about an unwed mother. After listening to it, I went out to Amazon.com and ordered "Joy To The World". While there I saw there is another new Christmas CD of Elvis Duets where singers like Carrie Underwood, Martina McBryde, Leanne Rymes, Wynnona, Sara Evans, Amy Grant and Anne Murray. So now I have two more albums to add to the 42 I already have. Only six more and I will have 50 for my 50 holder CD player :)



When I look at my own life I have to ask myself "How has that baby changed me?" I think most importantly would be He gives me hope. I don't like some of my flesh patterns and if wasn't for Emmanuel, I am not sure I would be a very nice person. I pray that I look more and more like Him as I mature and that the biggest hope of all is one day I will see Him face to face.

The Night Before Christmas Dieter's Style

I love it when people take traditional Christmas lyrics and rewrite the words. Readers Digest had several this month that were cute. I read this one online and liked it best, so thought I would share.

The Night Before Christmas

A Dieter's Style

Twas the night before Christmas and all round my hips
were Fannie May candies that sneaked past my lips

Fudge brownies were stored in the freezer with care
in hopes that my thighs would forget they were there

While Mama in her my girdle and I in chin straps
had just settled down to sugar-borne naps

When out in the pantry there arose such a clatter
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter

Away to the kitchen I flew like a flash
tore open the icebox then threw up the sash

The marshmallow look of the new-fallen snow
sent thoughts of a binge to my body below

When what to my wandering eyes should appear:
A marzipan Santa with eight chocolate reindeer!

That huge chunk of candy so luscious and slick
I knew in a second that I'd wind up sick

The sweet-coated Santa, those sugared reindeer
I closed my eyes tightly but still I could hear

On Pritikin, on Stillman, on weak one, on TOPS
a Weight Watcher dropout from sugar detox

From the top of the scales to the top of the hall
now dash away pounds now dash away all

Dressed up in Lane Bryant from my head to nightdress
my clothes were all bulging from too much excess

My droll little mouth and my round little belly
they shook when I laughed like a bowl full of jelly

I spoke not a word but went straight to my work
ate all of the candy then turned with a jerk

And laying a finger beside my heartburn
I gave a quick nod toward the bedroom I turned

I eased into bed, to the heavens I cry
if temptation's removed I'll get thin by and by

And I mumbled again as I turned for the night
in the morning I'll starve... 'til I take that first bite

So here are the answers to yesterday's post. If you haven't checked out the comments from yesterday's post, Roger Cook had another twenty titles, that I think Kelly Thomas and I got all the answers to. Aren't we glad we all have the time to stop and have a little fun?

1. Bleached Yule=White Christmas
2. Castaneous-colored Seed Vesicated in a conflagration=Chestnust Roasting On The Open Floor
3. Singular Yearning for the Twin Anterior Incisors=All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth
4. Righteous Darkness=O Holy Night
5. Arrival Time:2400 hrs - Weather:Cloudless=It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
6. Loyal Followers Advance=O Come,All Ye Faithful
7. Far Off in a Feeder =Away In A Manager
8. Array the Corridor=Deck The Halls
9. Bantam Male Percussionist=Litte Drummer Boy
10. Monarchial Triad=We Three Kings
11. Nocturnal Noiselessness=Silent Night
12. Jehovah Deactivate Blithe Chevaliers=God Rest You Merry Gentlemen
13. Red Man En Route to Borough=Santa Clause Is Coming To Town
14. Frozen Precipitation Commence=Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
15. Proceed and Enlighten on the Pinnacle=Go Tell It On The Mountain
16. The Quadruped with the Vermilion Proboscis=Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
17. Query Regarding Identity of Descendant=What Child Is This
18. Delight for this Planet=Joy To the World
19. Give Attention to the Melodious Celestial Beings=Hark The Herald Angels Sing
20. The Dozen Festive 24 Hour Intervals-12 Days of Christmas

Christmas Carol Alternatives

The following words are alternate titles for several well-known Christmas Carols.
Fill in the proper title in the space provided.
If you get 100% correct, you will be assured a full Christmas stocking! Have fun!!
(check back tomorrow for the answers)

1. Bleached Yule
2. Castaneous-colored Seed Vesicated in a conflagration
3. Singular Yearning for the Twin Anterior Incisors
4. Righteous Darkness
5. Arrival Time:2400 hrs - Weather:Cloudless
6. Loyal Followers Advance
7. Far Off in a Feeder
8. Array the Corridor
9. Bantam Male Percussionist
10. Monarchial Triad
11. Nocturnal Noiselessness
12. Jehovah Deactivate Blithe Chevaliers
13. Red Man En Route to Borough
14. Frozen Precipitation Commence
15. Proceed and Enlighten on the Pinnacle
16. The Quadruped with the Vermilion Proboscis
17. Query Regarding Identity of Descendant
18. Delight for this Planet
19. Give Attention to the Melodious Celestial Beings
20. The Dozen Festive 24 Hour Intervals

Results:

15 – 20 Correct — You don’t need any Yuletide spirit!
10 – 14 Correct — You could use something in your stocking!
5 – 9 Correct — Are you sure you have the right holiday?
1 – 4 Correct — Surely you jest!?!

The Absurd

I thought I had seen it all but this nativity set has to take the cake?? You can find more really wierd gifts like a cup where Jesus beard disappears when you add a hot drink at the following website: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/7767113.stm.
Some people have way too much time on their hands!!

Gift Giving

It is hard not to think of gift giving at this time of year. We all are on the quest to obtain the perfect gift for those that we love. Even if it is just a casual party that we are attending, we want our gift to be the "hit of the party", i.e. I am going to a sock exchange Monday night and I want my socks to be the ones every one wants. Silly I know, but I am pretty sure, I am not the only one that thinks this way. There is just joy in giving gifts that please the receiver. But I have to confess there are many times I don't spend time contemplating the quality of gifts I give to my God. There is a story in Matthew 26 that I find fascinating because it is a story of gift giving that God does not want us to forget. "I assure you, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman's deed will be talked about in her memory."--Matthew 26:13

It was the incredible sacrifice that a woman made for Jesus. What was it that she did that so impressed the Lord? Did she perform a miracle or provide some great teaching? No, she just gave a gift from her heart. While in the home of Simon, this woman took a jar of expensive perfume and anointed Jesus with it. This was significant and memorable because she seemed to recognize that Jesus needed to be anointed for His burial. So with complete abandon, she gave Him everything she had. In Mark 15 we discover her perfume cost more than 300 denarii which was the equivalent of nearly a year's wages. But it wasn't the gift that mattered. It was her heart behind the gift. It was her motives that touched Jesus, because He knew she sacrificed nearly everything for Him.

So as you are doing your shopping remember the lesson of this story. It is the love and sacrifice that is behind your gift that will be the most memorable as well. After all the physical thing you buy will eventually grow old or even disintegrate, but your love will last forever. But more importantly, be contemplating during this advent season what it is that you can give the Lord that He will know that you gave with complete abandonment. What can I give?

Christmas Brunch

Steve, my mom and I have been busy since last Friday preparing the house to host the Ladies Bible Class Christmas Brunch this year. After all, I had big shoes to fill from past hostesses like Karla Gerdes, Pam Pobanz, Kelly Thomas and the hostess of all hostesses Pam Miller. Unfortunately, with me being sick the weather interfered with me getting outside to decorate until yesterday and even then I just did 1/2 of what I usually do to get inside sooner. But we had a great time this morning. Karla did a great job as always with our devotional and helped us all to focus on the real "reason for the season". The take away I had today that I had not thought of before is how God not only sent His son in such a humble way, but He announced His arrival not to the priests, governors, or rulers, but to shepherds and magi. The shepherds being just common workers, and the Magi actually being non-Jewish (outsiders). Lest any of us ever think we are insignificant we need to revisit this story and realize that God sent His Son for all people and especially people like us.
Jesus was indeed our Savior and indeed Emmanuel (God with us). Heaven and Humanity came together for ever and we are a part of that Kingdom. Praise God!

Here are a few pictures as the Ladies worshipped this morning and of some of my decorations.

Steve and I made the decision about six weeks ago that we were not going to buy presents for Christmas this year. There is nothing either of usneed and we are fairly certain there is nothing in particular our relatives need. However, because of the economy there are several families we know that are in need. We have decided we will take the monies we usually spend on presents and give the money to a family. We have sent a letter to all our family members telling them of our plans and requesting that they not give us gifts but donate to a charity of their choice in ou name. Well...today Steve came across this website http://www.redefine-christmas.org and they have the same idea. Check it out. You can choose a cause and ask your relatives to donate in your name. I will admit I have been trying to figure out what we will do Christmas morning when we usually are opening presents and haven't come up with a definite plan yet, but I know God will redeem the time and bless our gifts this year. The best part about this plan? I don't have to shop, wrap or mail :)

I read this today on the Women of Faith Monthly Newsletter email and thought it was an appropriate way to start out December 1st.

"What do you feel this time of year? Peace on earth? Joy to the world? Or pressure to make everything about your holiday picture-perfect?

Relax. Jesus' birth was orchestrated by the Ultimate Party Planner, God Himself. Think about what that looked like: a small town scandal, a difficult journey with a lukewarm welcome at the end of it, culminating in His Son being born in a grubby stable. Hardly the sort of event that would make anybody's Best Party of the Year list. On the surface, it was all wrong. According to God's plan, it was perfect.

This Christmas, let's encourage on another to be a little more like Mary (Martha's sister, not Jesus' mom) and focus on what's really important. So your home doesn't look like a magazine cover. So your dinner doesn't look like a Norman Rockwell painting. So your rendition of O Holy Night doesn't sound like Sandi Patty's. So what? Enjoy the season. Celebrate the gift, not the wrapping. Jesus -- the ultimate 'Good Thing.'"

Christmas Get To Know You

Tresia Eason sent this via email, but I thought it would be fun to post and then tag everyone who is reading to either give your answers in the comments, or post to your own blog.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Have artificial, but love the real deal.

3. When do you put up the tree? Friday after Thanksgiving

4. When do you take the tree down? January 1st

5. Do you like eggnog? Not so much

6. Favorite gift received as a child? A Toodles doll and a T.V.

7. Hardest person to buy for? Usually Steve, because he doesn't enjoy getting gifts

8. Easiest person to buy for? My mom

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? MAIL!

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Some Gloria Vanderbilt perfume

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Miracle on 34th Street

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? All year long if I see something I know someone would like

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? yes (Gloria Vanderbilt perfume)

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? pumpkin roll

16. White lights or colored lights on the tree? this year colored

17. Favorite Christmas song? Do You Hear What I Hear

18. Travel at Christmas or stay at home? Love to travel, but usually stay home

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Goes by too fast.

23. What theme or color are you using? Very electic, but mostly red and white

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner - Ham

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? We aren't buying presents this year but taking the money we would have spent and giving it to someone in need.

Yeah! It's Christmas Time!

I do love Thanksgiving, but I am always excited when it is over because it means it is time for Christmas. So first thing is change the blog layout to a Christmas layout. I am thankful for Cutest Blog On The Block that makes it easy and fun to change my format. So now it is get out the Christmas Cd's, put up the tree and get out all the decorations. So in honor of Christmas who can say it better than Alvin and the Chipmunks?

Happy Thanksgiving!

If you are reading this, know that I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving! I pray in the midst of eating, sleeping, playing, watching football, etc. that you have some time to stop and spend time with our Father thanking Him for the many blessings that He has given you. I thought it would be an appropriate time to post the story behind the author and the song "Count Your Blessings". Does it surprise you to know that song was written in 1897 and yet it is still so relevant today? I am envious of those that can write songs. I think it is a great thing to be able to put your feelings of praise for God into lyrics. Perhaps the only thing that stands in my way is taking the time to do so???

"Rev. Johnson Oatman, Jr., was one of the important and prolific gospel song writers of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. He was born near Medford, New Jersey, on April 21, 1856. As a child he became acquainted with the hymns of the church through the singing talents of his father. At the age of nineteen Oatman joined the Methodist Church and several years later was granted a license to preach in local Methodist congregations. Though he wrote over 5,000 hymn texts, Oatman was busily engaged throughout his life in a mercantile business and later as an administrator for a large insurance company in New Jersey. Other gospel favorites by Johnson Oatman include "Higher Ground", and "No, Not One!"

"Count Your Blessings" is generally considered to be Oatman's finest hymn. It first appeared in Songs for Young People, compiled and published by Edwin O. Excell in 1897. Perhaps no American was ever received with such enthusiasm in Great Britian as this hymn. The London Daily, in giving an account of a meeting presided over by Gypsy Smith, reported, "Mr. Smith announced the hymn 'Count Your Blessings.' Said he, 'In South London the men sing it, the boys whistle it, and the women rock their babies to sleep on this hymn.'"

Count Your Blessings
Verse 1
When upon life's billows You are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged Thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings Name them one by one,
And it will surprise you What the Lord hath done.

Chorus:
Count your blessings Name them one by one.
Count your blessings See what God hath done.
Count your blessings Name them one by one.
Count your many blessings See what God hath done.

Verse 2
Are you ever burdened With a load of care,
Does the cross seem heavy You are called to bear.
Count your many blessings Every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing As the days go by.

Verse 3
When you look at others With their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised You His wealth untold.
Count your many blessings Money cannot buy,
Your reward in heaven Nor your home on high.

Verse 4
So amid the conflict Whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged God is over all.
Count your many blessings Angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you To your journey's end.

You can find more on this story and others in 101 Hymn Stories by Kenneth Osbeck.

God On Trial

Another daily read that I get from Crosswalk.com is Chuck Colson's Breakpoint. Today he posted information about a movie on PBS called "God On Trial", that I found interesting. I hope to watch it soon. Just in case you had not heard about it, I thought I would post his entry. I am thankful that I love a God who allows us to wrestle with our faith but keeps on loving us unconditionally.

'GOD ON TRIAL'
Chuck Colson
He Suffers with Us

PBS stations around the country are currently running a deeply sobering film that is a must-see for people of faith. Called God on Trial, the film tells the story of a group of Jewish inmates at Auschwitz who don't understand why God seems indifferent to their suffering. (Because of profanity, disturbing images, and other elements, the film is not suitable for children.)

The film begins on the "day of selection," on which some of the prisoners are chosen for extermination to make room for more prisoners. As the chosen ones await their fate, though some of the prisoners insist that God is still with them and that "suffering is a part of God's plan," many others feel abandoned and bitter. A young man named Moche complains, "[God] should be here, not us. . . . We should put [God] on trial; then maybe He'll hear us."

So the prisoners decide to bring a charge of "breach of contract" against God for breaking His covenant with the Jewish people. What follows is a compelling exploration of suffering, sin, and faith.

An older man named Kuhn insists, "This is a test of our faith. . . . The point is to keep faith." He even suggests that the Jews have broken the covenant themselves by forgetting their Scriptures and disobeying God's law. But as Kuhn's son Mordechai points out, the new prisoners who have just arrived are devout followers of the Torah, and yet they're being punished along with the Jews who have lapsed from their faith.

The arguments go on and on, covering such subjects as what crime they might have committed, whether the punishment is proportionate, why their torturers thrive if God is just, and whether there might be some possible redemption or purification that will come from their suffering-the kind of questions that people of faith have always wrestled with. They even face the possibility that God has withdrawn His favor from them and made a new covenant with the Nazis.

The arguments are hard to hear and the film is very hard to watch. Not because we haven't heard arguments against God before-many of us have been hearing them and debating them for years-but because we hear them in a situation like this, among men who have so much at stake. As one character remarks, appeals to reason mean little in a world that seems to be run by madness.

But this makes it all the more meaningful when, even though they cannot understand God, they realize how desperately they need Him. One young father who had his three little boys taken from him surprisingly speaks in favor of God: "I know He is here, even though I don't understand Him. . . . Maybe God is suffering with us." Even when they feel furthest from Him, God is embodied in the sacrificial love of some of the prisoners.

I don't want to give away too much here, but I recommend that you watch the film if it airs on your local PBS station, or pick up a copy of the DVD, which will be released in January. Consider watching it with your church group or a close circle of friends. Don't be afraid to wrestle with the emotionally painful and intellectually challenging questions about God and suffering-and how it could be, possibly, that God suffers with us.

Holidays and Family

I think the time that I really regret that our family is so far apart is at the holidays. This will be Steve and mine 20th Thanksgiving together. During those 20 years we have spent 8 with family members other than my mother and father and never has our entire family been together for Thanksgiving. It even gets worse for Christmas. We have spent 4 with other family members. I get really envious when I hear about families that all get together for one or the other and even more so for those who get to do both!
I understand that when it comes to my family we live far apart (Olympia, Washington, Denver, Colorado and West Monroe, Lousiana, Omaha, Nebraska) and that complicates things. But you would think every 5 years or so we could all get together?? If it were up to me we would, but I can only convince Steve to travel(that in itself is no easy feat)not everyone else, and other family members are concerned about the weather and traveling. So they would rather stay home than risk the "what if's". And when it comes to Christmas my brothers never want to be away from their own homes, first it was for their kids, now it is their grandkids. So even if we travel to one place, we don't all get together. So if you are reading this join my pity party and say "Awh". Then if you are blessed to be with your family say a prayer of Thanksgiving and don't take that time for granted.

Here's an addendum: Our second Christmas, I convinced Steve to go to my parents who at the time they were living in Parma, Idaho. I assured him that the weather would not be a factor. Well...wouldn't you know they had the worst snowstorm they had in 30 years and it broke the gas main so there was no heat in the house! They did not have a fireplace either. So we decided to go to the movie in a neighboring town just to get warm. When we went to get in the car the battery was dead. My father plugged it in downstairs and put a replacement in the car. But when Steve went to start the car he flooded it so we had to go back into the house which by then was smoke filled, because the battery had caught on fire. My dad grabbed the battery and through it out of the back door into the snow bank. We all got a good laugh. We were thankful that Steve flooded the car, otherwise we would have left and the house would have burned down. Anyway...mention traveling at the holidays and Steve is quick to remind me of that fun time!

Psalm 145

This morning as I was getting ready for worship I was listening to a sermon by Charles Stanley. I listen to him every week as I think he just has such practical lessons. Steve and I are excited that we will be doing an Alaskan cruise with him this summer. Anyway, this morning his sermon was on Psalms 145 and gratitude. He stated that you don't have to feel like thanking God but you do it anyway. Our thanks isn't motivated by our cirucumstances but by our knowledge of God's goodness.
There is not anything that happens to me that has not been through God's hands first and for that I can be truly thankful. I came home and read Psalm 145 and think it is probably the way I should start everyday, reading this Psalm as there is a wealth of comfort in this Psalm. Hope you will be blessed by it as well.

1 I praise your greatness, my God the King;
I will praise you forever and ever.
2 I will praise you every day;
I will praise you forever and ever.
3 The Lord is great and worthy of our praise;
no one can understand how great he is.

4 Parents will tell their children what you have done.
They will retell your mighty acts,
5 wonderful majesty, and glory.
And I will think about your miracles.
6 They will tell about the amazing things you do,
and I will tell how great you are.
7 They will remember your great goodness
and will sing about your fairness.

8 The Lord is kind and shows mercy.
He does not become angry quickly but is full of love.
9 The Lord is good to everyone;
he is merciful to all he has made.
10 Lord, everything you have made will praise you;
those who belong to you will bless you.
11 They will tell about the glory of your kingdom
and will speak about your power.
12 Then everyone will know the mighty things you do
and the glory and majesty of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom will go on and on,
and you will rule forever.

The Lord will keep all his promises;
he is loyal to all he has made.
14 The Lord helps those who have been defeated
and takes care of those who are in trouble.
15 All living things look to you for food,
and you give it to them at the right time.
16 You open your hand,
and you satisfy all living things.

17 Everything the Lord does is right.
He is loyal to all he has made.
18 The Lord is close to everyone who prays to him,
to all who truly pray to him.
19 He gives those who respect him what they want.
He listens when they cry, and he saves them.
20 The Lord protects everyone who loves him,
but he will destroy the wicked.

21 I will praise the Lord.
Let everyone praise his holy name forever.

Twilight

So...I don't know about you but I have wondered what all the hubbub has been about Twilight. I have pretty much ignored it thinking it is just another version of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer", but apparently I am wrong. I didn't know the series was written by a Mormon who has made a point to maintain some ethical standards. So, just in case you also didn't know much about the movie, I thought I would post this review from "Ignite Your Faith" which I found on a link to Christianity Today Magazine (which by the way reviews movies all the time).

What Shines in Twilight by Stacey Lingle
"Some of my Christian friends are concerned about these books centering on "demonic" creatures. Aren't vampires evil? Shouldn't we stay away from anything Satanic? These are good questions, and it's so crucial to be careful about what we feed our minds.
As I read the Twilight books, I found that the vampires in these books don't fit the classic vampire mold. No protruding fangs, no coffins, and they're not repelled by garlic or crosses. They have no dark mission, demonic connection, or contact with the spiritual underworld. They aren't "spiritual beings," but are more like humans with a horrible contagious disease. The only thing "vampiric" about them is that they feed on blood—which of course is forbidden by the Bible. Other than their thirst for blood, these vampires operate very like human beings. They have free will. They can choose to do good or to do evil. Edward and his family choose to do good because they believe that even vampires are not exempt from ethical standards. Unlike most vampires, this clan doesn't feed on humans, but they do drink the blood of animals because they must to live. Edward's father, Carlisle, even believes that they have souls and an afterlife. To me, it seems the vampires in these books are not demonic at all, but are metaphors for the human experience. These vampires' darks sides represent the very real monsters inside each of us. They are fighting against the temptation to do evil, which is what we as humans have to do everyday.
Nevertheless, spirituality is certainly relevant to the reading of Twilight. After all, part of the allure of the Twilight series is that it is "other-worldly." It's a fantasy. Sorry ladies, but there aren't really gorgeous, shimmering, chivalrous vampires and werewolves out there waiting to complete your life and mine. Yet the idea of them is captivating. Why? Because we are, essentially, spiritual beings. We know this world is not all there is, and we long for more. But fantasies like Twilight can become a distraction to our faith when we allow them to become a replacement for what we should be "fantasizing" about—spending eternity in the presence of God.
Bella is a clear example of someone who has misplaced her affections in this way. In her whirlwind romance with Edward, she directs all her love and desire toward Edward. She is so single-minded that the she doesn't even blink at the thought of giving up her soul (which is what would happen if she became a vampire so that she could be with Edward forever). This should strike us Christians as seriously wrong. She is choosing romantic love over her soul? As Jesus said: "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?" (Matthew 16:26, NIV) Now Jesus wasn't talking about becoming a vampire, but he was saying that our soul is the most important thing about us. Our soul, and our relationship with God, should be something we treasure and nurture, not willingly damage or discard for an earthly high.
One last spiritual note: The books don't have a great amount of God content (no major characters are believers), but the stories also don't discourage or deny God's existence. In fact, the characters live in a world—like that of most vampire fiction—where God is present. For instance, Carlisle, the respected leader of Edward's vampire family, mentions at one point that it wasn't his choice to become a vampire and lose his soul. For most vampires it isn't and so he hopes there's a way they can be saved and enjoy an afterlife."

If interested, you can find the entire review at http://www.christianitytoday.com/teens/special/web/twilight.html
OR
Christianity Today's review at www.christianitytoday.com/movies/reviews/2008/twilight.html.

Really Ooked

Okay, so "ook" isn't in the dictionary, but tonight it is the only word I can think of to describe the way I felt on my way to a ladies retreat meeting tonight. I was pulling up at the corner of Beltline and Plano Road and saw a male and female walking and thought to myself "it isn't really cold enough for the male to have a scarf wrapped around his neck", until I realized it was a boa constrictor!! I immediately reached over and locked my door! After all what if it had jumped off his neck and into my car through my closed window?????? Anyway who knew you take snakes for a walk? Whatever...there is no way I could wrap a snake aound my neck!!

It's Too Early

Steve's Sunday Morning Bible Class is called "We Know It's Early" but this post is not about that. Tonight as I was driving home from dinner with friends, I saw three houses decorated and lit up for Christmas. I absolutely LOVE Christmas, but lights up before Thanksgiving?? I think it is too early. I want to enjoy one holiday before getting ready for the next. Guess I am just wierd that way. But only 7 more days and I can start playing the Christmas music.

Here He Comes

In our daily Bible reading we read the parable of the ten virgins. Then Greg Laurie's devotional happened to be on the same topic. "We have all played the childhood game, Hide-and-Seek, where one person closes his or her eyes while the others hide. My favorite part of the game comes after you count to 20 and get to yell, "Ready or not, here I come!" In a sense, that is what Jesus is saying in the Parable of the 10 Bridesmaids: "Ready or not, here I come!" In this parable, Jesus compares His second coming to 10 bridesmaids who "took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom" (Matthew 25:1). Five of the bridesmaids had oil in their lamps and were ready. The other five had no oil in their lamps and weren't prepared to meet the bridegroom. The five unprepared bridesmaids went to buy oil at the last minute, the bridegroom appeared and took everyone who was ready in with him to the marriage feast.
Suddenly, the five unprepared bridesmaids found themselves locked out and saying, "Sir, open the door for us!" (verse 11). But the bridegroom could only reply, "I don't know you!" (verse 12). This parable is a warning to be ready for the Lord's return. You might describe it as a wake-up call from God."

So today I am asking myself am I prepared? Do I live each moment of each day totally ready for my bridegroom to come? I hope so, but I am afraid not always as much as I should. How do you prepare yourself?

God's Faithfulness

Our 5th grade Bible class lesson today was about God keeping His promises. I asked five of our "senior saints" to come in and share what their favorite promise of God is and how He has been faithful to keep that promise in their lives. I think it is so important that our young people hear the faith stories of those that have gone before them. This was such a blessed time today as the children paid such good attention to the senior saints as they shared. Hopefully, through their testimonies our children had a few roots grow a little deeper.

Here are the verses that were shared:

Sheridan-Ephesians 5:15 "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise." Sheridan told the kids that this verse helps him to remember at all times he is representing Christ no matter how someone else acts towards him.

Lynda-John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son." Lynda told the kids that if God loved her this much then there is nothing that will happen to her that He will not be concerned about. She says when your young "everlasting life" seems like a very long time away, but as you get older you realize that it could be soon. When she had a heart attack she was not afraid because she knew even if she were to die she would live with God forever.

Margie-1 Peter 5:7-"Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you." Margie explained that her family did not go to church when she grew up and a teacher invited her to church and when she was baptized she tried to talk to her father, but he told her he did not want to hear it. She prayed that something would happen that would change his mind, and sometime later she and Bill had a little boy named Scottie who had Down's Syndrome. When her father saw how lovingly she and Bill cared for Scottie and how at peace they were, he wanted to be baptized. She talked to the kids about the importance of prayer and that sometimes it make take awhile before you see God's answers, but He always answers.

Denola-Hebrews 13:5-6 "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,"Never will I leave you;never will I forsake you."
and Psalms 51:10 "Create in me a pure heart, O God,and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Denola shared with the kids that when she was a child her parents had her memorize a verse and this was the one she chose. She is so thankful that over her life she has known that God is always with her. She had open heart surgery and was able to go through it with peace because she knew God was right there beside her.
One of her favorite hymns is "Purer In Heart O' God" so the Psalm verse has always been important to her for her growth.

Barbara-Told the kids she too was not raised going to church and lived in a very small town in New Hampshire where there was only one school and 21 in her graduating class. A friend needlepointed a frame for her that had the Serenity Prayer on it and that prayer has got her through a lot of difficult times especially the past few years when she had to have her leg amputated.

I pray that I will walk in the footsteps of these precious saints and love and serve my Father who is forever faithful to His promises.

Why Didn't They Ask?

So I am wondering why one of the questions we did not hear at the Presidential debates was "what Executive Orders would you put in place?". Guess in my naivity I didn't know the President could just put things in place without Congressional approval (not that he wouldn't have it anyway).

It really bothers me that not only is Obama going to push the pro-abortion agenda here in the states, but one of his first orders will be to rescind the Executive Order that President Bush established in 2001.

"The prohibition on federal funding for international family-planning agencies that provide abortions -- or counseling and information about abortion -- even in countries where the procedure is legal. This policy, known as the Mexico City initiative, was initially put in place by Ronald Reagan and reaffirmed by the current president's father. Bill Clinton removed it in 1993; President Bush restored it two days after taking office in 2001."

We are in a financial crisis here, but we are going to fund abortions overseas??

He will also probably rescind the ban on stem cell research on embryo's even though it has been proven that the same research can be done on adult with even better results.

"The ban on federal funding for research on new lines of embryonic stem cells. In August 2001, Bush limited government funding to the embryonic stem cell lines then in existence and prohibited any funding for development of new embryonic stem cell lines"

"Put in place in August 2001, the policy prevents taxpayers from paying for new embryonic research that involves the destruction of human life. Bush directed most of the public funding for the science to adult stem cells, which are more ethical and have proven more effective than their embryonic counterparts.

Embryonic stem cells, in addition to including the destruction of days-old unborn children, has yet to work in humans because of significant problems after they are injected into the body -- ranging from the growth of tumors to immune system rejection issues.

The Washington Post reports that the transition team members are working with top special interest groups and leading pro-abortion members of Congress on prioritizing the executive orders that Obama will reverse."


These quotes are in several of the major newspapers such as the Washington Post and Los Angeles Times. I just wonder what else is coming down the pike that we absolutely have no say in because America had their say in nominating Obama as our next president? Plenty of reasons for us not to let up on our prayers.

House Markings

Steve and I have taken a few meals to people in the past couple of weeks and have been suprised at how poorly marked addresses are. We actually almost delivered to the wrong house because GPS said "arriving at your destination" and we were on the porch when we finally saw the number and we were two houses off. I wonder if anyone with a poorly marked house ever worries that emergency vehicles would not be able to find them easily in an emergency? Guess I won't complain about paying the $10.00 for the curb markings the next time we are asked.

Everyone have a great weekend.

Another Song Question

So last night at Oasis we sang "Jesus Is Coming Soon". Does anyone else have trouble singing an upbeat "many will meet their doom"?

Just wonder what the writer of that song was thinking. Was doom the only word that rhymed with soon? It's not like I don't know that people will meet their doom when Jesus comes again, but singing about it in the midst of praise just doesn't seem right?

Jesus is coming soon
Morning night or noon
Many will meet their doom
Trumpets will sound
All of the dead shall rise
Righteous meet in the sky
Going where no one dies
Heavenward bound!

A Few Laughs

Sometimes I think my posts are just a little too serious. Why? Because I am mostly a serious person, but I do enjoy a good laugh, and thought this blog needed some laughs today, so here are just a few I found today. Hope they make you chuckle a little too.

"I couldn't find my luggage at the airport baggage area so I went to the lost luggage office and told the woman there that my bags never showed up. She smiled and told me not to worry because they were trained professionals and I was in good hands.'Now,' she asked me, 'has your plane arrived yet?'"

Top 12 Things You Should Not Say To The Officer Who Pulled You Over
l. I can't reach my license unless you hold my beer.
2. Sorry, Officer, I didn't realize my radar detector wasn't plugged in.
3. Aren't you the guy from the Village People?
4. Hey, you must've been doin' about 125 mph to keep up with me. Good job!
5. Are you Andy or Barney?
6. I thought you had to be in relatively good physical condition to be a police officer.
7. You're not gonna check the trunk are you?
8. I pay your salary!
9. Gee, Officer! That's terrific. The last officer only gave me a warning too!
10. Do you know why you pulled me over? Okay, just so one of us does.
11. I was trying to keep up with traffic. Yes, I know there are no other cars around. That's how far ahead of me they are.
12. When the Officer says "Gee Son...Your eyes look red, have you been drinking?' You probably shouldn't respond with, "Gee Officer your eyes looked glazed, have you been eating donuts?

Father Boudreaux and pastor Thibodeaux were fishing on the side of the road. They thoughtfully made a sign saying "De End is Near! Turn yourself around now before it's too late!," and showed it to each passing car. Well this one car that passed didn't appreciate the sign and was shouting at them: "Leave us alone you religious nuts!" All of a sudden they heard a big splash, looked at each other, and Father Boudreaux said....."You think we should just put up a sign that says: 'bridge out' instead ?"

Tragically, three friends die in a car crash, and they find themselves at the gates of heaven. Before entering, they are each asked a question by St. Peter. "When you are in your casket and friends and family are mourning upon you, what would you like to hear them say about you?", asks St. Peter. The first guy says, "I would like to hear them say that I was a great doctor of my time, and a great family man." The second guy says, "I would like to hear that I was a wonderful husband and school teacher who made a huge difference in our children of tomorrow." The last guy replies, "I would like to hear them say...... LOOK!!! HE'S MOVING!!!!!"

Thank You To Our Veterans

I have to admit that most Veteran's Days I am pretty oblivous to the reason we celebrate it and go on about my business without giving much thought or thanks for the freedoms we have in America. Neither do I contemplate the men and women who have given their lives so that I can have the blessing of living in this "land of the free and home of the brave". Ihope you will take a minute to join me today in saying a prayer of thanksgiving for all of those who have served or are currently serving in our Armed Forces.

All to Jesus I Surrender

Is it just me, or does anyone else have trouble singing this song? Most of the time I cannot sing this song because I cannot honestly say the words. I wish I could, but I know I don't surrender all. This would be how I need to sing the song.

Some to Jesus I surrender,
Some to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and try to trust Him,
In His presence try to daily live.

I surrender some,
I surrender some.
Some to thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender some.

All to Jesus I want to surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures some forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.

All to Jesus I want to surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me.

I usually listen as other people sing this song, wishing I could sing it and mean it.
I still have a long way to go before I can sing it, but perhaps next time I sing it I will be able to say I have surrendered a little more.

Don't know about you, but this hit home for me. I constantly struggle with wanting to hunger and thirst for God's Word. Seems like it is just not as easy for me to open as my computer or as this post says my cell phone.

Cell phone Vs. The Bible

Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our
cell phone?

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?

What if we flipped through it several time a day?

What if we turned back to go get it if we forget it?

What if we used it to receive messages from the text?

What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?

What if we gave it to kids as gifts?

What if we used it when we traveled?

What if we used it in case of emergency?

This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible?

Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.

Makes you stop and think 'where are my priorities? And no dropped calls!

Letter to President Elect Obama

So...I also wrote a letter to President Elect Obama.

"Dear President Elect Obama,

Last night in your acceptance speech you said “I may not have your vote, but I hear your voice and I am your President too.” I hope that that is a true statement. I did not vote for you because you say you are pro life, but will not make sure that life is protected. You say that you believe marriage is defined as between a man and a woman, but you will not take a stand to protect our families. You assumed I was more concerned about money (tax refunds) than about being “one nation under God”. I am trying very hard to follow the Lord’s Word in Luke 6:37 and not judge you.

I just wanted to let you know that much more important than hearing my voice, is that I pray that you will hear God’s voice. Today we received a message from the Presidential Prayer Team that we have been a part of for the past eight years. We wondered if the prayer team that originated with George Bush would now disband. We are glad that it is not and they are now telling us specifics as to what we can pray for you. 2 Timothy 2:2-3 tells me that I am to pray for you and I do commit to do so.

My specific prayer is that you will seek the Lord and His will for this great nation. God has already used you to show how all of His children are important and equal. I do rejoice that you have been able to show us all there is nothing that is impossible in America. So I am hoping you will also lead the way in showing what it looks like when a country does put God first. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says ”If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” This verse indicates that a country can turn from God and need forgiveness and lose His blessing.

Every speech I heard you make you closed by saying “and God bless the United States of America.” So I am asking you Mr. Obama to please protect the rights of our unborn children. I am also asking that you will stay true to your word “not to be a Democrat but an American” and protect our heritage of family by not supporting the homosexual agenda.

Thank you for listening to this one American’s voice. I know that God will bless America if we keep Him and His ways at the center of all we do. May He bless you with the wisdom you will need for the hard decisions ahead."

Letter to President Bush

Just thought I would share with you the letter I wrote to President Bush last night.

Dear President Bush,

As I sit here watching the election results, my heart is sad. I am sad that the American people have been blinded by what is temporary and have lost focus on what it means to be “one nation under God”. That getting more money in their pockets was more important than preserving the sanctity of life or preserving family by supporting traditional marriage. The only hope I have is that 2 Chronicles 7:14 tells us that when we turn from our wicked ways and pray that the Lord will heal our land and bless us once again.

I just wanted to take time to write to you and thank you for the way that you have served our country as President. I appreciate all that you and Laura have sacrificed to help make this country a better place for us all. I know that things have not been easy for you, and I know that there are many things they are blaming you for. But, we know that with the Democratic control of Congress that you did not have the opportunity to fulfill your dreams.

I have been privileged to be part of the Presidential Prayer Team for the past eight years and have prayed many times that God would protect you and help you stand for His ways. President Bush, I appreciate the way you have maintained your integrity and the way you have upheld your faith. While this country may not reward you, our God will.

Thank you President Bush. I pray that the Lord will bless you with an enjoyable retirement. May you continue to find ways to serve Him. May you and Laura continue to have a blessed life as you enjoy your daughters and your future grandchildren. I close with the blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 “The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”

Suit Up

Interesting that the past few weeks I have been in the midst of studying about spiritual warfare on a couple of different fronts. We had a discussion several weeks in our Life Group and then the past two weeks it has been the topic of our lessons with the 5th grade Bible class I help teach on Sunday morning. The challenging part about teaching kids, is that you so much want them to get what you know now at their age so they will be further ahead in their walk than you were at their age. Yet, the truth is this walk takes maturing and those sweet kids still have many many lessons to learn before they are mature in their faith. Never the less, I think it is important that they understand what it means to be covered in the armor of God. In one of the devotional thoughts I get by email that was the topic today...spiritual warfare...and Greg Laurie can definitely teach it a lot better than me.

Suit Up!
Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. (Ephesians 6:13)
When the apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesians, he was chained to a Roman guard. So when we come to his description of the armor of God beginning in chapter 6, it's worth noting that Paul had a lot of time to observe Roman armor. There it was, 24 hours a day: breastplate . . . helmet . . . shield . . . sword.
This description was not given in a haphazard manner off the top of Paul's head to pass the time. Rather, these words are inspired by God. There is significance behind every word Paul attached to each piece of armor.
Paul identifies six pieces of armor altogether. The first three--the belt, breastplate, and shoes, were for long-range protection and were never removed on the battlefield. The second three--the shield, the helmet, and the sword--were kept in readiness for use when actual fighting began. So we see that each piece was important.
After all, you could wear your helmet, breastplate, and shield, but without a sword, you would find yourself in the unfortunate position of only defending or holding ground. Or, you might be wearing your sandals, your belt, and have your sword in hand, enabling you to attack enemy strongholds, but you would quickly lose what you gain due to inadequate defense.
We need all of the armor. It is not for us to pick and choose; it is a package deal. God has given us clear and defined spiritual weapons to fight with. Understanding what they are and how to use them can make all the difference in our spiritual battles.

Election Thoughts

So since the election is on all of our minds I thought I would post about it today. I have heard so many people say "God's Will, will be done in the election. Whoever He wants to be president will be president." I disagree. I don't think whoever God wants to be president will be president. It will be whoever the electoral college votes for. I think He will allow us to make a mistake and then use that person for His purposes. Unfortunately, His purposes could be to bring us all to our knees. America cannot be surprised if that happens when we have moved further and further away from the heart of God. I am among the guilty who has allowed prayer to be removed from school, the ten commandments to be removed from buildings, homosexuality to become an acceptable alternative lifestyle, not standing up for the rights of the unborn and on an on it goes. Did you know that teachers in the Plano school district have been told they cannot wear crosses as jewelry,but muslim teachers can still wear their hijabs? It's another example of the way we are moving away from God's heart. I'm not apathetic, I am just uninvolved in making a difference. I do take great hope in 2 Chronicles 7:14 that God will give us another chance when we fall to our knees and pray and seek His ways.

I liked this list that Anita sent today in an email. It does give us all hope.


TEN PREDICTIONS NO MATTER WHO WINS THE ELECTION:

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.

2. Prayer will still work.

3. The Holy Spirit will still move.

4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.

5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.

6. There will still be singing of praise to God.

7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.

8. There will still be room at the Cross.

9. Jesus will still love you.

10. Jesus will still save the lost.

Knowing Jesus

Today in my Bible reading Jesus healed a woman who had a spirit who was causing her to have a bent back for 18 years. After he healed her the Pharisees were angry because He healed her on the Sabbath. Just boggles my mind that they could stand there and not be amazed at his healing power but quibble about when He did it and therefore totally miss who He really was.

Thought this article by Chris Tiegreen showed me how I do the same thing all the time. This is from the book "At His Feet".

"One of the most mind boggling tendencies of human beings is to zero in on the trappings of our faith at the expense of its substance. This applies to all faiths of all times, but never as grievous as when we do this with the Son of God. In the story in Matthew 12, the Pharisees are more concerned with the sabbath and the temple than they are with the Lord of the Sabbath and the One who inhabits the temple. They major on the details but miss the big picture.

We also have peripherals that we obsess about. On Sunday mornings we often experience worship services without experiencing worship. We sometimes participate in Bible Study without fellowshiping with the Author. We do works of ministry without relying on the one who would minister through us, if we let him. We pray our prayers without conversing with the Spirit who inhabits them and hears them. We are so prone to digress from a relationship with Jesus Himself to the religion that makes Him its object, that we must guard ourselves daily. Someone greater than all our activities and beliefs is here."

So what do you think? Is there a difference between practicing Christianity and knowing Christ?

Another Year, Another Struggle

I have posted before regarding my theology on Halloween, so I won't do it again this year. I do know that Halloween can be redeemed for good and the innocent fun of children, but I do think it is wise to be cautious about all the trappings of Satan on this particular holiday. I read this article today by Greg Laurie and thought it was applicable for today's post.

In His Strength
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might." (Ephesians 6:10)
Just as police officers call for back-up when they sense that danger may be imminent, the first thing we must realize about spiritual battle is that in our own strength, we are no match for the devil.
I think a healthy respect of our adversary is in order for believers today. We don't want to underestimate him, nor do we want to overestimate him. We want to accurately assess who he is and what his abilities are.
We need to recognize that he is powerful; we don't want to try and take him in our own strength.
When I hear some preachers on television or the radio calling the devil silly little names, laughing at him, or making jokes about him, I remember what Jude 9 says: "Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, 'The Lord rebuke you!' "
Even the high-ranking Archangel Michael did not dare to condemn the devil with mockery. He simply said, "The Lord rebuke you!" There was a respect of the enemy.
The reason we need to "be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" is because Satan wants to get us away from that. It is our power base. He wants to separate us from God, because the moment he gets us away from Him, we are open prey. Thus, the devil wants to put a wedge between God and us.
The only power that can effectively drive Satan out is the power of Jesus Christ. Be strong in the Lord.

God's Amazing Love

We had another great lesson in Ladies Bible Class today. We studied Psalms 130:
Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD;
O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.
If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,and in his word I put my hope.
My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning,
O Israel, put your hope in the LORD,for with the LORD is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.
He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.

Isn't it amazing how hard Satan works to steal the joy of this truth from us? Most of us live in some regret, but God keeps no record of sin. We think we are unloveable, unforgiveable, unworthy. The fact is those are truths, it is only because God is love, forgiveness and worthy that we are. There is not one thing in our past that God can not redeem for His good and His glory. Isn't that what He promises in Romans 8:28??

So next time you are contemplating whether God does indeed forgive all your sin, just ask yourself "how much of all is ALL?" We then can walk in hope as the victor and not the victim and others will see our lives and say "I want what they have". So praise God for His unfailing love and full redemption.

Ten Yeas Ago

I was tagged by Brooke to answer the following. I can tell you right now that unlike the dozen posts I have already read on this tag, I was not in high school ten years ago :(

{10 yEaRs Ago I ....}
1. was beginning my ministry at Richardson East
2. was walking without a limp or cane
3. began eating meals on Wed. nights with my Supper Club
4. I left my dream house in Mesquite for an older house in Richardson
5. Still hoping to get pregnant

{5 ThInGs On ToDaY's tO-dO-LiSt}
1. Do my lessons for Ladies Bible Class
2. Meet with a children's minister from Abilene who is coming to "pick my brain"
3. Do Water Aerobics at the Gym
4. Cook Steve a good dinner
5. Go to bed before midnight

{5 tHiNgS i WoUlD dO iF i WeRe A MiLliOnAiRe}
1. Give to the poor.
2. Build my parents a house
3. Travel around the world
4. Give to missionaries
5. Give to college students in need

{5 pLaCeS I'vE LiVeD}
1. Parma, ID
2. El Paso, TX
3. San Benito, TX
4. Spring Hill, TN
5. Chino, CA

{5 JoBs I'vE Had}
1. Dairy Queen
2. Dr.'s assistant
3. Social Worker
4. Reference Librarian at Science Facility
5. Children's Minister

Don't have a picture on the computer of me 10 years ago. Not really going to tag anyone, but hope those of you who haven't already done so will share too.

MoneyMatters

So in the past couple of days I have dealt with a few things that have something to do with money, so thought I would just talk about them.

Yesterday, when I was shopping at Tom Thumb, I was in a really long line. I could see there was a girl with no people in her line at the counter in front of me, but she did not wave for me to come on. Then I watched her walk from her counter and go to another area and then come back. Still not indicating she was open. Then a guy just walked up and got in her line and she started checking him out. I didn't say anything but just got in line. During my transaction she left and someone else took over. Rang me up, and I paid and then she said "Did you not scan your Tom Thumb card"? Well, I had not because I usually shop at Albertson's where you don't use the cards anymore. Anyway, she said she would scan it and give me the money and then handed me $27.72. Who would have thought?? So I will make sure I use the card in the future, especially since their prices are usually higher anyway.

Then on Friday I joined LA Fitness. Now who would have thought that joining a Gym as bad as dealing with a car salesman? My mom and I had done our homework and visited several Gyms, knowing that we would rather be at LA Fitness because it was so close. Two other Gyms were waiving their registration fees, so we used that information to get them to do so also. But we sure had to be forceful. The guy said he would have to call his district manager and get permission and that he would probably get in trouble for asking. Yea right! So if they can wave registrations fees why do they charge them in the first place??? Of course the other two places told us "this price is only good for today". Again, yea right.

So today we went to our first water aerobic class and then had our introductory session with a trainer. Dumb me thought the introduction was to show us all the equipment and how to use it. Oh no, it was to get you to buy into having a personal trainer. Once again for $149.00 registration fee and $50.00 per half hour I could have this cute young boy continue to motivate me to a better exercise regimen. I told him I wasn't paying a registration fee and he told me he has never known them to wave it but he would go ask. The manager comes back with him and tells me they can't do that, but they will give me four "free" sessions with the trainer. Still if I were to work out with a trainer 3x a week that would cost me $600.00 a month! I could do it one time a week for $200.00 a month. But then you also have to sign a 6 month contract to get that deal. So guess the bottom line is I will not be working out with a trainer. Went out on the internet to see if I could find descriptions of the different equipment and how to use it but no luck. I guess I will just observe others, but it kind of worries me, as I know there is probably a right way and a wrong way to do it, but it is not worth $200.00 a month to find out.

Astrology-Southern Style

This morning in Bible class the lesson was on Numbers 13 and the things that God finds detestable, one of them being astrology, but I am hoping this is just considered fun and not offensive to God.

OKRA (Dec 22 - Jan 20)
Are tough on the outside but tender on the Inside. Okras have tremendous
influence. An older Okra can look back over his life and see the seeds of
his influence everywhere. You can do something good each day if you try.

CHITLIN (Jan 21 - Feb 19)
Chitlins come from humble backgrounds. A Chitlin, however, will make
something of himself if he is motivated and has lots of seasoning. In
dealing with Chitlins, be careful, they may surprise you. They can erupt
like Vesuvius. Chitlins are best with Catfish and Okra.

BOLL WEEVIL (Feb 20 - March 20)
You have an overwhelming curiosity. You're unsatisfied with the surface of
things, and you feel the need to bore deep into the interior of everything.
Needless to say, you are very intense and driven as if you had some inner
hunger. You love to stay busy and tend to work too much. Nobody in their
right mind is going to marry you, so don't worry about it.

MOON PIE (March 21 - April 20)
You're the type that spends a lot of Time on the front porch. A cinch to
recognize the physical appearance of Moon Pies. Big and round are the key
words here. You should marry anybody who you can get remotely interested in
the idea. It's not going to be easy. You always have a big smile and are
happy. This might be the year to think about aerobics. Maybe not.

POSSUM (April 21 - May 21)
When confronted with life's difficulties, Possums have a marked tendency to
withdraw and develop a don't-bother-me-about-it attitude. Sometimes you
become so withdrawn, people actually think you're dead. This strategy is
probably not psychologically healthy but seems to work for you. You are a
rare breed. Most folks love to watch you work and play. You are a night
person and mind your own business.

CRAWFISH (May 22 - June 21)
Crawfish is a water sign. If you work in an office, you're hanging around
the water cooler. Crawfish prefer the beach to the mountains, the pool to
the golf course, and the bathtub to the living room. You tend not to be
particularly attractive physically, But you have a very, very good head.

COLLARDS (June 22 - July 23)
Collards have a genius for communication. They love to get in the melting
pot of life and share their essence with The essence of those around them.
Collards make good social workers, psychologists, and baseball managers. As
far as your personal life goes, If you are Collards, stay away from
Crawfish. It just won't work. Save Yourself a lot of heartache.

CATFISH (July 24 - Aug 23)
Catfish are traditionalists in matters of The heart, although one's whiskers
may cause problems for loved ones. You Catfish are never easy people to
understand. You run fast. You work and play hard. Even though you prefer the
muddy bottoms to the clear surface of life, you are liked by most. Above all
else, Catfish should stay away from Moon Pies.

GRITS (Aug 24 - Sept 23)
Your highest aim is to be with others like yourself. You like to huddle
together with a big crowd of other Grits. You love to travel though, so
maybe you should think about joining a club. Where do you like to go?
Anywhere they have cheese, gravy, bacon, butter, or eggs and a good time. If
you can go somewhere where they have all these things, that serves you well.
You are pure in heart.

BOILED PEANUTS (Sept 24 - Oct 23)
You have a passionate desire to help your fellow man. Unfortunately, those
who know you best, your friends and loved ones, may find that your
personality is much too salty, and their criticism will affect you deeply
because you are really much softer than you appear. You should go right
ahead and marry anybody you want to because in a certain way, yours is a
charmed life. On the road of life, you can be sure that people will always
pull over and stop for you.

BUTTER BEAN (Oct 24 - Nov 22)
Always invite a Butter Bean to a party because Butter Beans get along well
with everybody. You, as a Butter Bean, should be proud. You've grown on the
vine of life, and you feel at home no matter what the setting. You can sit
next to anybody. However, you, too, shouldn't have anything to do with Moon
Pies.

ARMADILLO (Nov 23 - Dec 21)
You have a tendency to develop a tough exterior, but you are actually quite
gentle and kind inside. A good evening for you? Old friends, a fire, some
roots, fruit, worms, and insects. You are a throwback. You're not concerned
with today's fashions and trends. You're not concerned with anything about
today. You're almost prehistoric in your interests and behavior patterns.
You probably want to marry another Armadillo, but a Possum is another
somewhat kinky mating possibility.

Better Times

Yesterday day, my mom and I went to see the movie "The Secret Life of Bees". I had not done a lot of research about the movie, which I usually do before watching a movie. I had seen the trailers and watched a little of the interview with the actresses on Oprah. First of all let me say the acting in this movie was really good. Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson and Sophie Okonedo were all wonderful and it would be hard to say who did the best. But what I wasn't prepared for (since I had not read the book) was the subject matter of this movie. I thought it was about child abuse and it was, but was not prepared for the racial discrimination theme throughout the movie.

I just wonder in the year 2008 what it is like to be African American and make a movie like this one, or for that matter to just watch a movie like this one. I am not sure that brining up so horrible memories of our history helps bring healing. Although in this movie a group of black women befriend a white girl, the white people were so very cruel to the African Americans.

I lived in Mobile, Alabama during the 60's. I was there from the 5th-8th grades. When I was in 7th grade, they integrated our schools. I remember "white only" water fountains and restuarants. I remember being in one when a black man and a young boy were denied entrance. I don't know that I remembered that there were also separate entrances and seating places in the movie theater. I know it was a big deal when Rosa Parks would not go to the back of the bus. It makes me realize that we have come a long way. These memories also made me realize why it really is a big deal that we have an African American running for president. I just wish it was someone more like Alan Keyes (who is actually running as well but we did not have him on our ballot in Texas).

One thing this movie did make me think about is where were Christians during this dark time in our country? Did they stand up for social injustice? Would I have? While I lived in California I had a dear friend named Rubin White (who was black) and she was an intern during the Johnson administration. She had to take a test to qualify for the internship and was beaten in the bathroom by a group of white girls.
Her father was actually murdered by the Klu Klux Clan and she told the story of how he gathered her at his bedside and told his family to not let Satan win by hating the men that did this to him. One of those men was an elder in the church of Christ.

God's heart must just break to see what we do to one another when His love does not rule our prejudices. I pray that those days are over, but unfortunately you still get glimpses of them today. My greater prayer is that I will not be an onlooker, but that I will love unconditionally and if called to do so stand up and be a defender of what is right.

Heaven Celebration

Not as often as I should, but sometimes I just can't help but think what a wonderful scene we are going to have when we get to heaven. Yesterday's post about the scene in Revelation 7:9-10 reminded me of a song we sing sometimes in worship. I didn't realize the song actually was us singing scripture. I think next time it will give it more meaning. However...I can't wait until we all stand, kneel, lie prostrate around the lamb Himself and sing.

Salvation belongs to our God
Who sits upon the throne
And unto the Lamb

Praise and glory
Wisdom and thanks
Honor and power and strength
Be to our God forever and ever
Be to our God forever and ever

And we the redeemed shall be strong
In purpose and unity
Declaring aloud...