My Manger Scene Undergoes Some Transformations

As time passes, my manger scene has taken on some strange, but humorous appearances.  Each time I would pass by, I took a picture, wondering how long this would go on.  Some in my household confessed to their shenanigans and others remain silent.  I am sharing them with you.

Marching right

An Army man guards the manger.

Notice the bird

  Dice, anyone?

Missing animals

Worship the Savior!

M E R R Y   C H R I S T M A S !!!

Bare Branches

I just love this picture and had to put it in my blog.  Now I need a subject.  Winter comes to mind.  Bare branches are just beautiful.  They speak volumes to me.  Trees and shrubs have shed their coverings, only to reveal another side of who - I mean what - they are.  This picture was taken in Massachusetts.  I think those are crab apples?  Somebody help me here.


Berries never look so appealing as they do when brightening up an empty branch.
Each season holds its own treasures in nature.  Each one has unique qualities that distinguish it from the others, but when the earth begins to sleep and the plants rest, it is the loveliest of times...often going unnoticed, unappreciated.  Snow covers the ground and takes precedence, hiding a portion of the world that is in hibernation.  So as the trees drop their leaves to the ground and ready themselves for colder climates, I for one, will recognize and admire them.  Bare branches are beautiful...best when attached to the Vine.

John 15:4-5  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.   I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 

Do Not Look For Another!

Figures from my mom's and grandma's nativities.

When the prophets of the Old Testament told of Jesus' coming, they did not mention His name. (Wouldn't it have been easier for the Israelites to accept Him if they had?) But, no. The Israelites were looking for that special Deliverer...like Moses when he delivered them from bondage with the hand of God waving plagues upon the Egyptians. They never thought that Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace would be a Baby in Bethlehem...raised by a carpenter. No way.
Their Messiah was coming not in splendor and glory, but in lowly manger. No one told them that He would lead by serving instead of ruling.  Many still look for that messiah. Messiah has already come!
He came to show us Love.
He came to give us Hope.
He came to offer Peace.
He came to bear sins.
He came to suffer for our sakes.
He came to be the Last Sacrificed Lamb.
He came.
Do not look for another...this Jesus is He.
Matthew 11:2-6  Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?" And Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me." 
Thank you LORD, for giving us a Savior that we can relate to...One that understands our pain because He has experienced it, One that has suffered slander, physical abuse, humiliation, great sorrow. Thank you that in His very birth, we are shown meekness and humility.  Thank you that man's grand ideas are folly to you.  You sent us Love.  Love is that Baby in the manger, that reigning King at Your right hand.  
Do not look for another!!  Jesus Has Come!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Six Days 'Til Christmas

It is December 19th, 5:35 a.m. - six days before Christmas.  Six days.  Six days for me to prepare for that day.  I can't help wondering what Mary was doing six days before the event that would change the world for all time. She was a vital part of that miraculous day.  She had no idea what was in store.  She did not know that angels were waiting to announce the birth of her Baby...that unknowing shepherds were to be a part of that night...or that all of this would take place away from her home, in a stable.
This humble birth would bring forth a King for all time. He was not elected and will never lose dominion.  She had no idea that perfect peace, faith, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and redemption would take on a new perspective - by the Author of peace, faith, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and redemption.
A Baby wrapped in cloth, lying in a manger and celebrated by angels.  A Savior.  People were looking for a Savior.  They had been told of His coming for hundreds of years...and hundreds of years later, man still needs this Savior, most desperately.  Those that do not know Him need Him.  Those that know Him need Him.  He sustains, redeems, makes intercession, gives peace and purpose to life, forgives.  He is the Source of all goodness and it is unending.  
Do not get lost in holiday madness.  Do not scream about the fact that the true meaning of Christmas is absent, invisible in much of the world around you...when you have not stopped to worship the One in the manger.  Stop now.  Celebrate His birth...with personal intent and devotion.  Run to the manger as the shepherds did...with eagerness, determination, and anticipation.  Stay and worship Him.  He reigns forever. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  
Six days beforehand, Mary may not have known everywhere this simple birth would lead...but she did know that her Baby would save...and that she was to name Him "Jesus."  One day, all will bow before that name.  Let's begin now.

Merry Christmas!

Connecticut

Headline news...tragic and heartbreaking and senseless...lives taken by a violent act in a place thought to be safe.  Families turned upside down. Their anguish has been so public, being captured on film by those eager to be the first to tell each detail. Then it quietly hides - away from the eyes of the nation...into the secret places where every day they shared meals, helped their children with homework, tucked them into bed, made their lunches.  Those daily routines are changed forever.
Names of people we have never heard of, will never know.  I could continue to write about Christmas...because it will still happen. Life's amusing episodes will still take place and make me laugh.  All of my children and grandchildren will be here this holiday season...and more than ever I will cherish each moment we have together.
The One who sees it all will someday make something good out of this.  I cannot see it now and would not even suggest that they try. My heart aches for them.  I grieve with them and for them.  Their pain is raw...like an open wound that will not heal.
May the Lord of peace, comfort, and love surround these that have lost precious loved ones...and may He be so very real to them, even now.  Father, please do what only You can do...and show them Jesus.

Psalm 46:1  God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 

Three Gifts

Three gifts.  That is what the Christ Child received from the wise men.  But it was not on the day of His birth.  It was when He was around two years old.  Joseph, Mary, and Jesus were living in Bethlehem at the time.
Guided by a star, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem and approached Herod, the king, 
Matthew 2:2-6  "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him."  3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him;  4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.  5 They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:  6 "' And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.'" 
They followed the star until it stopped over the house of Joseph and Mary.  What an unusual star! What a divine plan.  The kings of the east brought gifts of gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.  Such elaborate gifts for a baby...but not too elaborate for a King.
Because of Herod's decree to kill all baby boys, two years old and under, Joseph was told in a dream to take his family to Egypt where they safely stayed until Herod's death. They then returned and settled in Nazareth.
So, if you could give a gift to Jesus, what would it be?  Perhaps your most beautiful, prized possession?  What about the idols of your heart?  He wants them all...everything revealed and everything hidden.
These kings brought gifts to the King of Kings, who offers the matchless gift of eternal life to all who will believe.
Every year I ask the children in my Sunday School class - a room of first through third graders - what gifts they would give to Jesus. They have the best answers...my bike, my Legos, my dolls, my baseball cards, my computer, my Wii...the beloved things they own.  Their precious treasures.  May we be like them..giving our best to Him....because He gave His best to us.

On a personal note: Last year we switched our giving plan from all out frenzy to three gifts each.  I know each family has their own plan to celebrate Christmas.  Ours had become more than it should be and I take the blame because I like to give gifts.  Bringing those urges under control (yes, I really said that) makes me a better steward of what He has given us.  So we are sticking with the "three gift" theme.  It is centuries old and has passed the test of time.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

The Reason for the Season

It is Jesus. You have heard that catchy phrase. It can be found on Christmas cards, ornaments, all things red and green. But wait...isn't He is the Reason for every season?  
Sometimes days go by without me noticing (that's when I say "it just can't be December!)...because I allow the world to creep in with all of its enticements begging me to find my joy, my pleasure in external trappings and I drift far away from the One who owns me. I am undone on those days until I remember - there is only one source of joy.
If my happiness depends on anyone else, anything else - I am always in danger of losing it. Unless it is of eternal value with an everlasting substance, it fades. No one, no job, no new found affection, no attained goal, no 'pretties', no updated version of whatever. None of it will bring me the lasting peace and contentment I so desire. In fact, they will rob me of it.
You know how the batter flies off of the electric mixer when the beaters are spinning? That is me...as I spin and all else flies away from me until there is nothing but me left...unclean me.  God is the mixer, the potter, the sculptor.  In one sense, I am the batter, being made into something good...but then I am also the metal beater...being spun around until I am cleared of all I was stuck in, the world with its bits of residue staining me. I am incapable of cleaning myself. He spins me clean and shows me that when I am in a thick mess I am hardly useful and when I am ejected into the sink, I am undone. It is the connection to Him that makes sense of my life and I find purpose. Apart from Him I am void...incomplete.
What is this Reason we celebrate Christmas? What is the Reason we live?  What is the Reason I get out of bed every day, stay home or run errands, clean dirt from my surroundings as all women do (sooner or later), make list upon list, cook, fix, organize life into segments I can deal with...why am I doing this every day?
Days can be mundane, routine, and unrewarding unless I do all for the One who was born for me. He makes Reason happen in all my seasons. I am forever grateful that He is my Reason...for it all.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The Christmas Miracle

                                      

The very origin of Christmas Day was the one true Miracle...God coming to live among us, dying on a cross, bearing the sins of all who trust Jesus as their only Savior, with the promise of eternally living with Him. THAT is the real meaning of Christmas.

Yesterday at church, there was another "Christmas miracle".  The children were amazing!  They did it!  How in the world?  From craziness to loveliness.  May He alone be glorified.

And on to the Nursing Home

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Caroling and Chaos

Every year, our junior high and high school kids along with some parents go caroling to the homes of some of the older folks and widows of our church.  A few years ago, I began inviting all of the ones that lived near us  over for dinner in order to save them some gas and time.  This year was the same.  We had about 14 people come and eat and enjoy the voices of the young.  It sounds so simple as I write it down....and it was everything but.  If you had been a fly on the wall, you would not have believed it.  I was here and I don't believe it. There are just some events that leave you speechless.
Amy and Clint were supposed to arrive at 4:30 with the youth.  We waited awhile, but that was ok, because busy things were happening in the kitchen.  I had decided to serve the young people brownies and little bottles of water.. Sounds easy enough.  However I doubled the brownie recipe and did not allow for extra time cooking.  When the timer went off, I put the brownies on the counter, thinking they would set.
The carolers arrived close to 5:00.  Everyone went outside to listen. In my corner were George, Margaret, Kristen, Corey, Mom, Shirley, Anna, Bruce, Susan, Leonard, Leon, Tamrynn, Tommy, and me. There were 20 young people and about 5 adults singing.  It was great.
As they neared the end, I ran in to dish out messy, undone brownies, top them with Cool Whip, and serve them in cups.  Kristen came in to help me. (Chocolate and Cool Whip go together anytime, anyway.)  I could only fit 15 on my tray so I headed outside while Kristen fixed the rest.  As I was handing out the desserts, one of the young ladies - Elizabeth - stepped in dog poop and then in ants.  I turned and gave the tray to Tamrynn, grabbed her shoe and went in to wash it in my bathtub.  Ants were crawling on my hand as I used baby shampoo - the handiest thing - to wash the shoe.  Susan comes in the bathroom and says, "George is eating the potpourri."  She is laughing.
I say, "Stop him, please!" and I go to check on George.  Kristen meets me in the kitchen and says, "I just dumped my tray of dessert all over the floor."  I told her to make more.  Margaret is asking me why George is spitting stuff out into the trash and I am looking for shoes for Elizabeth to wear - thankfully we wear the same size.  Her legs are ant bitten but she says she is fine.
The garlic bread is burning in the oven and Shirley (my mother in law) grabs a knife and begins to scrape all the black off the bread. Finally, we sit down to eat.  That's when I realize it.  Older people are really fun.  They are not phased when chaos happens.  The do not "lose it"...they laugh.  I love children...and that is what they are...big children.
The conversation at the table was quite note worthy.  George told us all how to clean Pampered Chef stoneware. Margaret and my mom told how to get rid of squirrels in the attic. Margaret and George explained how to cook squirrels.  Anna told us how to do everything.  She is one of those that has a remedy for everything...like putting castor oil on eyelids for dry eyes.
All in all it was an eventful, unforgettable, informative evening.  If I had not been here to witness it all, I might not believe that it all happened in such a short period of time.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!

Belongings

I recently found a box in the bottom of one of my closets.  It was full of things I had taken out of my mom's cedar chest when she gave it to me - her keepsakes. I thought she would like to have them...since they are hers anyway. Even though she can no longer see, she remembered each item in detail.  A black Bible given to her by my grandmother, grandfather, and uncle.  An old math workbook dating back to 1942. Cards from each holiday...bags of them, belonging mostly to my grandmother, Bessie. (see post entitled Bessie) My birth announcement.  My grandpa's stamp book. A framed painting that my brother did.

Be still, my 'stationery' heart!

Moms keep things like that.  My children's keepsakes are in the attic in containers marked with their names...Lee, Luke, Jana, and Denny. Each one is filled with the secrets of younger days and younger ways.  Baseball cards, dolls, stuffed animals, school papers, achievements, trophies...small indicators of who they were and what they loved. Someday they will enjoy looking through those things, but until then, they will remain safe in my care.

It is easy to become attached to our possessions...our belongings.  They represent us in a way, telling our story back to ourselves lest we forget...and we do forget. Smells, pictures, books we read, can often take us to another time that we once visited.  As precious as our aging treasures might be to us, they will pale in comparison to the unfading, ageless, imperishable ones given by the Father. He keeps our treasures...laid up in heaven, where moth nor dust corrupts and where thieves do not break in and steal.  They are in His care, waiting for us.

No matter the gifts this Christmas - remember that these earthly things pass.  Eternal riches are just that...eternal.  The best Gift is the One that gives back timelessly. Jesus.

Merry Christmas!

Words Fail Me...

Really, they do.  Tonight was the last practice before D-day...the last hurrah...the last hope for something that resembles order.  It just is not going to happen.  What will happen?  No one knows.
Here is a list of some of the things that might take place.
1. Mary will kiss the shepherd on the cheek. (I caught her just in time.)
2. We told the boys "no camo."  They argued, "but it's green!"
3. The angel will flap her wings and tell her brothers what to do while they are singing.
4. The aim-n-flame will not work for the candles.
5. Two of the three year olds will grab the mike and go for it...like Elvis.
6. Etc,etc,etc.

And all will be well with the world and Christ will be glorified with the best we have to offer.
So.....MERRY CHRISTMAS and JOY!

JOY!

Simple word.  Magnificent meaning.  "A strong feeling of pleasure; gladness; happiness."  It is seldom used in our everyday language.  We use it much at Christmas.  We sing it often then.  It is so much bigger than our expression of it.  It wells inside until it bursts forth in praise to God.

John 15:11  These things I have spoken to you, that my JOY may be in you, and that your JOY may be full.  (See - JOY is to be shared...it is inside us.)

Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my JOY and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

James 1:2-3   Count it all JOY, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

Luke 2:10-12  And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great JOY that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger."

Steven Curtis Chapman wrote a song several years ago and the chorus is so beautiful..

What kind of JOY is this

That counts it a blessing to suffer?

What kind of JOY is this

That gives the prisoner a song?

What kind of JOY can stare death in the face,

And see it as sweet victory?

This is the JOY of a soul that's forgiven and free.

This is best kind of JOY.  It is the JOY that can be ours only through Christ's death, so it matters most.  The JOY at His birth was immense and immeasurable.  Great JOY are the best words to describe what was happening on that night in Bethlehem.  It would change the world.  Unspeakable JOY.  But His death brought another JOY...an everlasting one.  It is my JOY and it can be yours, too.

JOY TO THE WORLD!
and
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Babysitting

Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus

Just when you thought you were in good shape physically, babysitting proves otherwise.  Just when you thought you had a grip on life, you find you have no grip on anything, and probably won't...without some kind of pain.  I kept three of my grandchildren overnight and we have had a busy day...in the house due to rain. Now, I am fun.  Really, I am, but not after I have slept with Emma. No one really sleeps with Emma, except Emma. No way.  She steals into the room around 3 a.m. and asks if I will pray that she won't have bad dreams...and I do, but upon turning, she asks if she can sleep with me.  I in turn throw Tommy out and Emma gratefully and gleefully climbs over me and snuggles next to me...did I say next to me?  I meant not a flea could fit between us.
I stare at the numbers on the clock as they turn, minute by minute. It's 4:30 now.  She wakes at 6:45 and asks if she can get up.  I tell her no...until I decide she is better off in the other room and her life is spared for another day.  Tommy is my hero.  He knows I am needing a few minutes more of shut eye and I am grateful.  I have always been one that needs sleep to function, but I pray that our day will be full of fun things to do.
It is raining.  Hmmm...plan B...now where did I put plan B?
Ok, we have dressed as Joseph, Mary, and Jesus...had a picnic on the living room rug, colored banners for me and mommy (who is frolicking in Chicago with my daughter), made magnets, watched a little tv, and sang our version of  'Carol of the Bells.'  Yes, we have some skills.  The thing is...I must have some kind of invisible stretchy string that connects me to them.  No matter where I go in the house, they appear with toys in tow.  Oh well, one day they won't want to sing with me, dance with me, color with me, help me feed fish, or type with me.  Bella is in my lap asking me why I am not typing the letter "B".  So there...I did.
Luke and Emma are at my feet on some kind of electronic gadget they are sharing.

Last night we went to Dairy Queen for ice cream and then to Deer Park's light show at City Hall.  It is outside and a yearly tradition for us.  I am posting pictures below of our fun.

Oh yes, and Emma wrote a letter to Flag, Uncle Luke's and Aunt Yuyu's dog...and we mailed it.

Luke and Emma said they were spies in Dairy Queen with fake noses and glasses.

Bella and Mimi

    My Carol of the Bells video would not post.  Too bad...        

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Born to Die...and Still He Came

 From the moment Jesus was conceived and an actual being here on earth, His goal was to die.
Man is appointed once to die ( Hebrews 9:27-28   And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him) and from the moment we are all born, death is certain....(except in the event of Christ's return.)  Can we say death is our goal?  No, death is a 'later' thought.
  Jesus knew all along that His death was imminent, even planned since the beginning of time in heaven.  A death like no other....and still He came.  An innocent Baby, an innocent Child, an innocent Man.  And still He came...willingly, purposefully - yielded to a plan made by no man.
 What made Him do it?  Some things cannot be explained or grasped fully, at least by me.  I DO know that all the Father does is for His glory alone.  He is the Father.  He can do that.  Out of His mercy and loving kindness, He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die on a cross, bearing the sins of believers past, present, and future.  It took the shedding of blood to remove our sins from us.(Ephesians 1:7-8 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight )
 I don't know if Christ was really born on December 25th, February 1st, or the 4th of July...it just doesn't matter.  What does matter is that He came.  He came to redeem lost souls - like me - that trust in Him.
 Jesus our Lord left the glories of Heaven in order to manifest the unfathomable love of God for man. He was born to die...and still He came.  That is why I celebrate Christmas....every day.  Won't you join me?

What Wondrous Love Is This

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul,

What wondrous love is this, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss

To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,

To bear the dreadful curse for my soul!

American folk hymn

Thou who wast Rich Beyond All Splendor

Thou who wast rich beyond all splendor, all for love's sake becamest poor;

Thrones for a manger didst surrender, sapphire paved courts for stable floor.

Thou who was rich beyond all splendor, all for love's sake becamest poor.

Frank Houghton

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

More Play Practice

The picture of enthusiasm

Okay, so our Christmas play is about 9 days away with only one more practice....I shudder to think.  My choir director Amy agreed with me that this is the most unprepared we have felt about a Christmas play.  It will be interesting to say the least. It has been my experience that at times like this the only thing to do is...press on as if anything that happens was exactly what we wanted to happen.  The children will be wonderful and they can really sing...if they can remember the words..and no, no sheet music allowed on stage.
We are doing an advent Christmas, with reading of the word, lighting of candles - (a real opportunity for disaster to step in), and one angel, one shepherd, and one wise man to represent all that went on surrounding the birth of Jesus. (The wise men actually did not show up for a couple of years later.)
So here are a few pictures of our most recent practice.  Pressing on...

Little ones signing "Away in a Manger"

Mary and Joseph

                    Some of the Readers and Candle Lighters

Matthew 18:3-4   "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 

Do The Next Thing

Some days are just hard.  It's when I think I am responsible for everything and if I don't do it, it won't get done...and I don't want to do it.  It's staring into space and not really seeing.  It's brain overload...and brain empty all at once.  It is checking out of life without really checking out for good.  I know you know what I mean.
The holidays will do that to you.  Checklists, and checklists on the checklists.  (That would only make sense if you are with me in spirit on this.)  Menus to make so you can purchase the needed groceries without wasting money....therefore recipes to look for - (I actually love this, but not when I feel pressed), calendars to update with dates to remember, ideas for the elderly, cards to send, lessons to teach, a dentist appointment for a wisdom tooth to be pulled - hoping it won't rob me of what little wisdom I have left, - babysitting (fun), plus everyday chores, etc, etc, etc. That was a really long sentence with poor structure. Sorry.
When I am feeling this way, I either sit and stare into oblivion which accomplishes nothing, or I do menial tasks that amount to nothing, OR I do the next thing in front of me.  It's this methodical, consistent, 'staying at it til it's done' that helps me most....knocking off each block, one at a time, until the monster is dead.  What a ridiculous analogy, but it works for me.  I think it is called slaying dragons.  My dragon's life is in danger. I have just decided.
When you don't feel like doing anything at all, but "all" is demanding to be done...just do the next thing.  You will be encouraged then to take on something else, and so on. Pretty soon, you become the conqueror/conqueress. (Surely you give yourself pep talks like this.)
This blog can be calling to me from wherever I am.  I am constantly writing myself notes, copying phrases, and wondering what in the world I will write next.  I find stability and comfort in writing.  Yes, I could be in there sitting in the middle of papers and books galore, but I already did that today and it did nothing for me.  So I decided to come and tell you about it. (I am now laughing at myself.)  You can laugh at me, too...and then go do your next thing.  
Oh, yes, and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

My place in this world.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. 

I Wish I Had A Nickel For...

There are just some things I repeat over and over again in my life. From start to finish I seem to be automatically set to say the same words or do the same things a ba-zillion times before death occurs, and I wish I had a nickel for each one. 
I wish I had a nickel for every:
1. Time I told a child to say yes ma'am or no ma'am, please, or thank you.
2. Soda bought in a drive-thru. (I would use those nickels for my kidneys one day.)
3. Time I forgot why I went into a room and had to retrace my steps to try and remember.
4. Time I stuck my foot in my mouth, vowing not to do it again.
5. Craft made with children.
6. Wasted minute of television. Yes, I could take us both out to eat more than once on that one.
7. Item of clothing washed, folded, and put away...therein lies some big payoff!
8. Time I painted a wall in my house...and for every time I didn't like the color and remixed my own.  
9. Pound I lost and gained back.
10. Diet started.
11. Dish washed.
12. Other endless pattern.

If only we could be paid for bad habits or good deeds done (while we are here on earth and could spend it.)  It just doesn't happen that way, does it?  The lists of our repeated acts, good or bad, are endless, really.  God will one day sort through it all and decide which is wheat and which is chaff that the wind blows away.  He sees past our actions to the heart. The "goods" on my list, I hope to keep repeating,  the "bads" I hope to change.  (I avoid fast food restaurants on the whole, I am selective about television...very selective, and I think twice before jumping into diets - not that I couldn't stand to shed a few - but it is lifestyle changes that need to be made instead.) And keeping my foot away from my mouth is a day to day battle....thinking first helps.
The Bible says we will one day be rewarded, with much more than nickels. 
1 Corinthians 3:11-13  For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw-   each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. 

Matthew 10:42  "And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward."  

The smallest task done in His name moves mountains...even laundry and dishes and crafts.

Doors and Windows

I love colored front doors and unique windows.  Over the years, Tommy and I have visited the New England area several times.  The houses there are not like our cookie cutter neighborhoods.  The homes are made of wood, or have siding or shakes and shuttered windows and painted doors.  I love taking pictures of them and I have many, dating back to pre-camera card days, so some are left in photo books.  Two years ago, Tommy did a wedding in Massachusetts at a place called Old Sturbridge Village.  Lovely doors on all  the renovated buildings.  It was like stepping back into the early 1800's.  

I thought I might share these beautiful doors and windows with you. 

Redeemer Fellowship Church in Watertown, MA 

And wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

    

Regrets and Glory

We all have regrets, but don't you just hate thinking about them? We shove them back as far as we can...those painful reminders of mistakes, sins, and awful choices we have made.  We try to bury them deep, but they inevitably rise from 'who knows where' when we least expect them. They can pierce the soul and reduce us to tears in a heartbeat...and all without anyone around us knowing it. It cripples us inside.
We are a fallen race...capable of much evil.  Deeds done in secret and hurtful words spoken and unspoken and we wish we could take them back.
As far away from God as we may have lived, we are redeemable. God's word says so.  He is our only hope for a life that will matter for eternity.  He forgives. He teaches us how to forgive others and how to ask to be forgiven by those we have wronged.
When we accept Christ as Savior, believing that He died bearing our sins for us - we are forever changed.  We are made new...righteous in His sight...not because of anything we have done, but because of what Jesus did on our behalf.  The perfect Lamb was sacrificed that imperfect us might live and though we are a marred lot, though we are scarred and ugly, though we carry in us the sinful nature of man, we are now capable of bringing glory to the God of the universe. Why in the world would He want glory from us? He is all about glory. What better way to manifest it than to supply a Redeemer to a fallen world?  His love is great.  His ways are merciful.  He made a way for wretched us to live before Him, forgiven and clean. He does not see us as we were, but as righteous men and women, washed in His blood.

1 John 4:9-10  In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.  In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 

1 John 3:18-20  Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. 

So I wonder if  you have trusted in the Lord for salvation.  Jesus is God's only Son, who willingly died for all who will believe on His name as Savior.  It was God's plan all along.  Nothing takes Him by surprise. Man did not sin so much that God one day said, "Wow, I better do something about this."  No, His plan was to magnify His own name and Being by offering life to the condemned...that's us. He is good. We need not live in the past.  Praise His name forever
This is the best reason for a day of THANKFULNESS.

Annie P.

I met her today at the nursing home.  My friend Margaret and I were making a visit to hand out some things the kids at church had made for the folks there.  Thanksgiving wishes made with love.  Our church has a ministry there and for a while, I taught a Bible study, but that was many moons ago.
There are three wings in the building so I went one way and Margaret went another.  We were to meet back in the middle and go down the last wing together.  It was in the third room that I met Annie.  She sat on her bed and welcomed me graciously.  As I handed her the Thanksgiving greeting, she moved over and begged me to sit for awhile.  How could I refuse?
She has been there for several years.  When I asked her how come I had not met her before, she let me know that she knew me.  (Okay, my memory is shameful at best.)  She wanted me to guess her age and after much play of 'higher and higher', I finally arrived at the correct number - 92.  Her side of the room was fully decorated with pictures of loved ones and her younger days.  She had mementos of every holiday there is, lining the walls and shelves.
Annie was delightful.  She spoke of her childhood and showed us a picture of her when she was twenty.  Beautiful...and her dress cost only five dollars. She plowed fields at the age of six - behind a mule, not a donkey - and worked on neighbors' farms for twenty-five cents a day.  Her mother worked for thirty-five and Annie informed me that she worked just as hard as her mom, but didn't get paid as much because she was just a child.  I believe her.  She was baptized in a river at the age of fifteen, along with a hundred others.  She said she worried that the preacher's arm would be to tired too finish the task.  (These are the things preachers live for.)
Margaret finally tracked me down, wondering where in the world I was, I am sure.  She, too, began to be enchanted by Annie.  They shared farm stories.  Annie said she knew Margaret, as well.
Upon leaving, we promised her we would be back to see her.  She said she does not get many visitors.  I am afraid that is true for so many.  As I sat there on her bed, I was acutely aware than someday this could be me.  We do not know what the future holds for each one of us.  Life is often unpredictable.
What a treasure she is - a storehouse of information from the past. A resource more valuable than gold, because she can tell of what we will never know....what it was like to live without all the gizmos of today.  She has captivated my heart and I thank the Lord for allowing me to meet her.
May we all be more mindful of these lovely people, hidden from our sight, but not from His.  Just visit them.  You do not need a reason. They are waiting for you. 
Lord, bless the ones who care so diligently for them.

Decorating Mom's

Tonight as many of the family as could, decorated my mom's house for Christmas.  If I went through the events of my day leading up to this, you would laugh...or cry...but laughing is good.  Crying helps nothing.  My day started with a prayer, "Lord, I have plans for my day, but if You have other plans, then help me to pay attention and 'hear' You."  I was up earlier than usual and began with a bang, cleaning and organizing the 140 Christmas boxes Tommy pulled out of the attic.  Just kidding...but exaggerating the amount makes me feel better...cuz it's alot.  Ring. Ring.  Shannon is at WalMart with her four children and her car is acting up.  Tommy goes and while she is shopping, he is checking out the car.  Needs to see a car doctor.  So they call me and I meet them at the car doctor shop. Shannon leaves a basket full of things in WalMart - not groceries, just other necessities, lest any of you think she left ice cream melting or something like that.  Anyway - she was in distress, but her mother-in-law (me) encouraged her to go ahead and get her shopping done. This was my plan B for the day.  So we headed back to WM and began again.  She did end up finding her original basket, still sitting right where she left it.
After that, I took her home and ran some errands and then went back to pick up Emma for ballet.  This is a relatively new endeavor for Emma. She is six.  She is very talented and seems to be born to tippy toe through life.  After an hour of watching her bounce around with about six other girls, it was time to leave.  By now it is 4:30 and we are in Webster heading for Deer Park in heavy traffic. Luke has to go...you know...go.  Now, girls can hold it, but boys, well not so much.  So Grammy made an executive decision and wound up behind a dumpster in a parking lot.
As we were leaving, I shut my car door on his hand.  Yes, it is true.:( All I could think of was that we would now be going to the hospital with a mangled hand.  He screamed and I prayed as I held him. Mama made things better and as it ended up, it was only a finger and a bruise. Thank You, Lord.
Finally we ended up at my mom's at six to be joined by various other members of the family.  Tommy came in with pizza.  So what started out as a routine day, ended as anything but. The men gave orders on how to decorate from the easy chairs and couch.  Really? The little ones loved putting ornaments on the tree and the manger scenes....are unique to say the least.  We combined them all.  Jesus and Mary have twins - two Marys, two Jesuses(?) -  and somehow Santa ended up in the mix.  Such is the humor when we all get together.  I think there might be six wise men there as well.
My mom was happy...and kept calling people by the wrong name as she cannot see at all.  We just smile.  So, let me be the first to say it...Merry Christmas!

Emma

Nephew Jesse holding Bella

Great nephew Holden

Sister-in-Law Laurette

Nephew Zarien, Tommy, and Brother Owen (the directors)

The Finished Product

Daughter-in-Law Shannon and niece Tamrynn

My mom will make sense of this...maybe.

Mayhem

Cherith and "Great Nanny"

Brother Owen, nephew Josh and great niece Cherith

Shannon and sister Mona