Vacating the Post until 1/1/09 - Merry Christmas!

Yea, or is it YAY!!!!!

We go to our daughter-in-law's Graduation from a University!!!!! I can't hardly wait. That's so cool and an extreme sacrifice as they have two precious youngsters and it's neat that they and all of us say Yea for the super event!!!!!

May God give her many dreams and wishes for this grand ocasion!!!!!!

Children: A High Pursuit

Highlighting the value of children......hopefully this will be a blessing and encouragement to you today, dear Parent (or Grandparent). The Bible is full of expressions of God's care and concern for the young and vulnerable. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these."

Unfortunately, this perspective is becoming increasingly foreign to our modern world, where children are often seen as a burden and a drain. What could possibly be more rewarding than raising an impressionable young child in the love of the Lord? Is there anything more important than being able to answer questions such as "Why is the sky blue?" or "Who is God?" for the little ones entrusted in our care. It brings us comfort and joy as parents or grandparents to enjoy limitness opportunities with them! It produces loving relationships and a grateful heart for seeing them learn that fulfillment is found - in selfless service and a grateful heart! Yes, they are a high pursuit! Never take them for granted.

Christmas Trees

In the daily walks, etc..namely Mall Walking....looking at the various Christmas Trees in Stores is breathtaking! Especially this year - they are amazingly incredible the way they are decorated. And even in the banks there are trees decorated. We have a lighted tree in our Fellowship Hall at Church which is beautiful. How about you? Do you get a "real" tree or do you have one that is tucked away in a box and you get out? I have a tucked away well lit tree. At first I debated putting our kids' ornaments they made in grade school (oh my gosh!) but opted for putting grandkids' ornament (Note: singular) - they gave us an ornament they made in school a couple of years ago and there they are - front and center on the tree!!! That's the fun of Christmas. Celebrating Jesus birth and honoring Him, and seeing the family decorations, eating the food, just plain ole' blessings!!!!

We have a tremendous family that loves Christmas and trust me - there are no humbugs in our family to ruin Christmas. Guess they know it's the greatest time of the year where we are together and so grateful!!!!!!! Hope you enjoy looking at trees - Christmas trees THIS DAY!!!

Phenomenal Services!!!

Yesterday I missed my time to blog...I was p-r-e-t-t-y busy with Church activities from sun up to sun down. Phenomenal service with beautiful singing, happy people and just all the way around wonderful! Then afterwards we had a dinner (KFC chicken dinner....: ) and my husband and I were presented a gift as well as each person there. Everything was beyond anything we could ever do. The truth was God was there and that made it all the most phenomenal! We had a special prayer for people who have called the 24/hr. prayer line. I pray your week will be sufficient, phenomenal, and exactly what you need to get all the things accomplished that you need to make your Christmas the best ever! Happy Monday to all!!

Added note: I'm finding out more and more people will respond to Facebook but not to blog....that's okay...I hear by e-mail my subscribers!!! Thanks everyone!

Pesevere in Prayer. God Will Answer You.

That answer may come as you read God's Word. . . as you hear a sermon in Church, or at a conference....or it may come from the still, small voice of God speaking in your heart. The answer may come into your mind and heart in a flash, or it may come to you slowly over time. But the answer will come.

God hears and answers. Psalms 23 is a great prayer!

You Won't Believe This!

Yesterday my hubby and I planed THE day TO FINISH Christmas shopping. (For each other also). So he was headed out to a completely different Mall than I was going to. Is it God's will or not? He changed his mind and went to another Mall and guess what? We smack dab ran into each other - now come on - that would never happen again in a million years! I'm astounished because he is a person that never does that - So, guess what we ended up doing. Yup, you're correct! Shopping at the same Mall!!! Naturally he saw what I got him and I saw what he got me...a-ha...so we are trying to erase it out of our minds and by Christmas will be surprised! Age and activities will cause that to happen. : )

I hope you are chuckling because this is one you tell your grandkids way years later! Hopefully your Thursday will at least be one of laughter when you read this blog.....encouragement done!!!!!

Wednesday - Stay Warm!

Okay - it's icey cold here. No ice as yet...but they are forewarning us. That's the part of winter I dread. I'll stay warm today because it sure came quickly....the cold weather that is!

Yesterday I had the privilege of attending a Ladies Meeting, having been invited, and thoroughly enjoyed what the Pastor's Wife had to say. It made me think how we need to laugh more. She told some stories about Christmas trees and actually we all identified with it; it made us chuckle out loud! I hope your Christmas is filled with laughter, joy, and happiness. Try not to let the media and newspapers get you down with the doom and gloom about the economy. Thinking of the joy of giving makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Go hear a children's choir sing or something to enhance your spirit!!!! Kids are sooooo cute. Bless their hearts and bless all hearts this very day!!!!

Tuesday Declared Get Christmas Cards Addressed!

I don't dread this task....in fact I love it. Sending joy, greetings, and love through those Christmas cards.....yup.....super fun, and when it's finished a shout will hooray I'm finished will be heard! Last year was our year to hear from kazillion people we know around the world, missionaries, etc. So.....I shall have fun. I have great encouragement: the Christmas "to be done" list is getting shorter. I'm sure your's is also. Let's rejoice together!!!!

Christmas????

How are you doing with Christmas? I have tree up, decorated and presents under it! Woohoo!!! Pat myself on the back! I do have the Christmas spirit; This year we are taking our time to make it enjoyable instead of rush, rush, rush! We still do not have our outside decor done.

Here's an encouraging thought: Persevere in prayer. God will answer you. That answer may come as you read God's Word...as you hear a sermon in church or on television...or it may come from the still, small voice of God speaking in your heart. The answer may come into your mind and heart in a flash, or it may come to you slowly over time. But the answer will come. God hears and God answers. When you call upon Him, Repeating, He will answer you. I've seen it happen!

Yesterday Was My 600th Post!!!

Pat on the back....hip, hip, hooray! I love blogging. It is healthy for me.
Still doing Outreach today...............ladies remember we have W.O.W. in the morning at 9 a.m. You're all so goooodddd to get up early.....that's the Spirit for sure!!!

C ya there............Happy Saturday!!!

A Dog's Life

Pixie is the name of one of our Dogs. Chloe is the other. We loved Chloe who was an abused dog through an eye twitch 12 years ago. Pixie is inherited from our daughter-in-law that was given to our daughter passed on to me. Pixie is a bichon frise in all her glory. She has a mind of her own, but the main thing is she loves me and connects. If you read upon bichons, they are a circus dog that loves to jump as high on the back door (but usually through hoops in a circus act) and they are very smart dogs. I have 3 videos about her background as a bichon frise and three books that I have read cover to cover. She truly loves to lay by me wherever I am; when I'm at the computer now, she is right beside me watching me so she can obey. While we were away for Thanksgiving, our daughter-in-law "dog-sat" for us. Talk about out of control. They have a Golden Retreiver who loves to chomp on sticks, etc. outside. Pixie loves the same thing only she aggravates the other dog to the extent, it will wear the other dog out. The moral of that story is their dog wore Pixie out. Soooooo all week she has been laying by me as if to say can you explain why I wore myself out. Talk about being appreciative to our daughter-in-law for watching her (I owe her my life's earning because Pixie picked up some bad whining habits as I take her over to the church and she wants my attendtion) and I know she was out of control, but I have done what our Son suggested and to open her cage door and let her come in and out......Voila.......it works - it calmed her down. Now, our daughter will be coming with her precious dog, a small chihuahua for Christmas and Pixie will continue to just really bug her to the point where we have to separate the two.

A dog's life....what are they thinking? Okay, I'm going to get comments about this via e-mail....I think they are human, like us...we think of ways we can manuever ourselves out situations, and they do as well. This is one subject my husband and I mill over (he doesn't think so) but I'll just go on through my wonderful life believing this dog thinks I hung the moon and I'm sure you will feel the same about your dog or dogs or cats or horses or whatever you have......so enjoy them through the holiday and remember to let them give you a super attitude because they are so very cute....God love the cutie pies......and give them lots of love. I'm chuckling now because she conveniently turned over on her back for me to rub her tummy...talk about a manipulator....a-ha....and do I crater and do it. You bet!!! She is precious and keeps me great company during these wee-morning hours. How cute!! I wish you could see her! Enjoy your Friday!!!!

Smiles

If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love. Don't be surly at home, then go out in the street and start grinning "Good morning' at total strangers."

Do not let anyone take your JOY. ....or better yet, your smile. = )

Tree is Up!!!!

Yea, the Christmas Tree is up and decorated. And the Den where we celebrated Christmas is all decorated!!!! Whoopeeeeee I'm one giant step ahead.......R U?

Shorter Time

My hubby tells me it is a shorter time from Thanksgiving to Christmas this time. So yeppers...out comes the Christmas tree. We have a big 'un so I'm going to have to get with the program! The good news is my husband is helping me this year. Such a doll, hu??? Yea! I hope your Tuesday is happy. I really mean that. I have tons of things to catch up on, so will leave a brief blogb ut I do have a word of encouragement.

Respond to Opportunities. Proverbs 12:11 says "Hard work means prosperity; only fools idle away their time."

YEA DECEMBER IS HERE!

It seems like it was only yesterday that December 2007 was here...now it's 2008!
Encouraging words: Stay organized during this month or it will get away from you.
Yesterday I did some Christmas shopping...that's weird with me because I usually get the tree up first. I couldn't beat the sale 40% off...so I did some great fun picking out something I'm pretty sure my family can use.

Thanksgiving was totally awesome and again I felt like a queen as our daughter just gave us all hospitality, fun, and I had full reign in the kitchen. On Thanksgiving Day we were all in the kitcen, including hubby. Now that was fun. I glanced over at our daughter as she was stirring the green bean casserole...oh my very favorite!!!!.....and she had her hand on her hip just exactly like my Momma had when she cooked for all us kazillion kids!!!! Tears began to well up because, of course, I miss my Momma who went home to glory in 1970. Another just like it was yesterday. In fact, our daughter is named after her so lots of memories arose!

At church yesterday some ladies told me they missed my blogging. I missed it; I'm convinced it's healthy for me. After a much needed vacationI'm beginning the month of December and try to remember frequently in order to cultivate a heart that honors God and willingly serves others, I must:
Remember God's in charge, not me.
When I serve my congregation, I am serving God.
I deserve nothing from God, but He blesses me anyway.
I don't serve to be liked. My security comes in knowing I was worth redeeming by the love of the Lord.
Nothing I can do will make God love me more.
Nothing I can do will make God love me less.
If I cultivate a servant heart, I'll be blessed more than anyone I serve.
The rewards are all around me if I learn to look and listen.