I wanted to share this devotion that was sent to me today.
"God knows how to save those who serve Him..." 2 Peter 2:9
I stand a few feet from a mirror and see the face of one who has failed my Maker -- again. I promised I wouldn't, but I did.
I drove past that corner and ignored the one saying he would work for food....
I let pass that opportunity to speak to one about their soul...
I spent more time today on myself than on others....
I was quiet when I should have spoken up....
I took a seat when I should have taken a stand....
If this were the first time, it would be different. But it isn't. How many times can I fall and expect to be caught?
My eyes look in the mirror and see a sinner, a failure, a promise-breaker. But by faith I look into the mirror and see a robed prodigal bearing the ring of grace on my finger and the kiss of the Father on my face...
My eyes see my faults, my faith sees my Savior.
My eyes see my guilt, my faith sees His blood.
Something to ponder today.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Sunday, January 21, 2007
The Old Paths
A friend sent this to me and I thought I would share it with you.
THE OLD PATHS
I liked the old paths, when
Moms were at home.
Dads were at work.
Brothers went into the army.
And sisters got married BEFORE having children!
Crime did not pay;
Hard work did;
And people knew the difference.
Moms could cook;
Dads would work;
Children would behave..
Husbands were loving;
Wives were supportive;
And children were polite.
Women wore the jewelry;
And Men wore the pants.
Women looked like ladies;
Men looked like gentlemen;
And children looked decent.
People loved the truth,
And hated a lie;
They came to church to get IN,
Not to get OUT!
Hymns sounded Godly;
Sermons sounded helpful;
Rejoicing sounded normal;
And crying sounded sincere.
Cursing was wicked;
Drinking was evil;
and divorce was unthinkable.
The flag was honored;
America was beautiful;
And God was welcome!
We read the Bible in public;
Prayed in school;
And preached from house to house
To be called an American was worth dying for;
To be called a Christian was worth living for;
To be called a traitor was a shame!
Sex was a personal word.
Homosexual was an unheard of word,
And abortion was an illegal word.
Preachers preached because they had a message;
And Christians rejoiced because they had the VICTORY!
Preachers preached from the Bible;
Singers sang from the heart;
And sinners turned to the Lord to be SAVED!
A new birth meant a new life;
Salvation meant a changed life;
Following Christ led to eternal life.
Being a preacher meant you proclaimed the word of God;
Being a deacon meant you would serve the Lord;
Being a Christian meant you would live for Jesus;
And being a sinner meant someone was praying for you!
Laws were based on the Bible;
Homes read the Bible;
And churches taught the Bible.
Preachers were more interested in new converts,
Than new clothes and new cars.
God was worshiped;
Christ was exalted;
and the Holy Spirit was respected.
Church was where you found Christians
on the Lord's day, rather than in the garden,
on the creek bank, on the golf course,
or being entertained somewhere else.
I still like the old paths the best !
"The Old Paths" was written by a retired minister who lives
in Tennessee
THE OLD PATHS
I liked the old paths, when
Moms were at home.
Dads were at work.
Brothers went into the army.
And sisters got married BEFORE having children!
Crime did not pay;
Hard work did;
And people knew the difference.
Moms could cook;
Dads would work;
Children would behave..
Husbands were loving;
Wives were supportive;
And children were polite.
Women wore the jewelry;
And Men wore the pants.
Women looked like ladies;
Men looked like gentlemen;
And children looked decent.
People loved the truth,
And hated a lie;
They came to church to get IN,
Not to get OUT!
Hymns sounded Godly;
Sermons sounded helpful;
Rejoicing sounded normal;
And crying sounded sincere.
Cursing was wicked;
Drinking was evil;
and divorce was unthinkable.
The flag was honored;
America was beautiful;
And God was welcome!
We read the Bible in public;
Prayed in school;
And preached from house to house
To be called an American was worth dying for;
To be called a Christian was worth living for;
To be called a traitor was a shame!
Sex was a personal word.
Homosexual was an unheard of word,
And abortion was an illegal word.
Preachers preached because they had a message;
And Christians rejoiced because they had the VICTORY!
Preachers preached from the Bible;
Singers sang from the heart;
And sinners turned to the Lord to be SAVED!
A new birth meant a new life;
Salvation meant a changed life;
Following Christ led to eternal life.
Being a preacher meant you proclaimed the word of God;
Being a deacon meant you would serve the Lord;
Being a Christian meant you would live for Jesus;
And being a sinner meant someone was praying for you!
Laws were based on the Bible;
Homes read the Bible;
And churches taught the Bible.
Preachers were more interested in new converts,
Than new clothes and new cars.
God was worshiped;
Christ was exalted;
and the Holy Spirit was respected.
Church was where you found Christians
on the Lord's day, rather than in the garden,
on the creek bank, on the golf course,
or being entertained somewhere else.
I still like the old paths the best !
"The Old Paths" was written by a retired minister who lives
in Tennessee
Breakfast Time
The other day Jim hit a squirrel (he really doesn't do it intentionally), so he stopped and picked it up, cleaned it and put it in the fridge.
This morning I cooked it for breakfast.
Along with ....
Chocolate Gravy
and....
Biscuits. Yummmmm.
Well if you have never had Chocolate Gravy let me tell you.... Well the first time Jim mentioned it to me all I could imagine was making white gravy and adding some cocoa to it, which, even though I looooovvvvve chocolate, didn't remotely sound appetizing. But that isn't the way you make it at all. It is delicious...if you like chocolate.
I use this recipe that I found a few years ago in Guideposts.
3/4 cup sugar
3 tblspns all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 tsp vanilla
3 tblspns cocoa
pinch of salt
2 tblspns butter
Sift dry ingredients together in a saucepan, mix in milk slowly. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick and smooth (I let it just begin to boil). Add butter and vanilla. Serve over hot biscuits. Hmmmmmm!
I make this because it tastes good and because it is easy. So to make it even easier I don't bother to sift my ingredients.
Let me know if you try this and what you thought of it.
This morning I cooked it for breakfast.
Along with ....
Chocolate Gravy
and....
Biscuits. Yummmmm.
Well if you have never had Chocolate Gravy let me tell you.... Well the first time Jim mentioned it to me all I could imagine was making white gravy and adding some cocoa to it, which, even though I looooovvvvve chocolate, didn't remotely sound appetizing. But that isn't the way you make it at all. It is delicious...if you like chocolate.
I use this recipe that I found a few years ago in Guideposts.
3/4 cup sugar
3 tblspns all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 tsp vanilla
3 tblspns cocoa
pinch of salt
2 tblspns butter
Sift dry ingredients together in a saucepan, mix in milk slowly. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick and smooth (I let it just begin to boil). Add butter and vanilla. Serve over hot biscuits. Hmmmmmm!
I make this because it tastes good and because it is easy. So to make it even easier I don't bother to sift my ingredients.
Let me know if you try this and what you thought of it.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
We're Having A Party!!!
This is soooo exciting!
It's not just any party!
This party is hosted by Janice and Susan over at 5 Minutes For Mom!
It's a WEEK-LONG party!!!
And there will be PRIZES!! PRIZES!! Did. you. hear. me....PRIZES!!
For all the details of hosting your party check it out here .
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
There's No Other Word Than Amazing
I can't begin to express the feelings that I have experienced since yesterday morning watching the results of donations received on behalf of Kelli.
Not only did BooMama host this wonderful event in "BooMama fashion" but anyone, anywhere, had the opportunity to contribute to such a worthy cause.
But what has amazed me and blessed my heart so deeply is that everyone who donated did so in an unselfish manner.
Whether you were able to contribute a $1.50 or $100, maybe $1,000, you did so expecting nothing in return personally.
I say this because over the years we have done numerous benefits for children and cancer patients, to our annual Toys of Love benefit. These benefits may have been a success but in every case those donors received something in return....hearing gospel music, food, etc. Even blood donors get a t-shirt. But yesterday ya'll gave expecting nothing but a brighter tomorrow for Kelli and her family. You didn't even receive a sticky smiley face for your shirt, or a symbol pin, a t-shirt...nothing.
I don't know about you but I do know that I receive so much more. It wasn't tangible, but it was felt deep in my heart. Well there is just no better way to say it than "ya'll just blessed my inner soul".
I am so thankful to BooMama for allowing me to be a part of this and I'm very grateful to have received this blessing. You may never know how much I needed it.
If I'm feeling this overwhelmed myself I can only imagine how Kelli and her family feel right now being on the receiving end of such a blessing as you have provided.
I know God's people are loving, caring people but when you see it in action, "there's no other word than amazing".
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
My God shall supply all your needs.... Phillipians 4:19
Not only did BooMama host this wonderful event in "BooMama fashion" but anyone, anywhere, had the opportunity to contribute to such a worthy cause.
But what has amazed me and blessed my heart so deeply is that everyone who donated did so in an unselfish manner.
Whether you were able to contribute a $1.50 or $100, maybe $1,000, you did so expecting nothing in return personally.
I say this because over the years we have done numerous benefits for children and cancer patients, to our annual Toys of Love benefit. These benefits may have been a success but in every case those donors received something in return....hearing gospel music, food, etc. Even blood donors get a t-shirt. But yesterday ya'll gave expecting nothing but a brighter tomorrow for Kelli and her family. You didn't even receive a sticky smiley face for your shirt, or a symbol pin, a t-shirt...nothing.
I don't know about you but I do know that I receive so much more. It wasn't tangible, but it was felt deep in my heart. Well there is just no better way to say it than "ya'll just blessed my inner soul".
I am so thankful to BooMama for allowing me to be a part of this and I'm very grateful to have received this blessing. You may never know how much I needed it.
If I'm feeling this overwhelmed myself I can only imagine how Kelli and her family feel right now being on the receiving end of such a blessing as you have provided.
I know God's people are loving, caring people but when you see it in action, "there's no other word than amazing".
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
My God shall supply all your needs.... Phillipians 4:19
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Mississippi Mud Cookies
Last night I made these Mississippi Mud cookies. These are Jim's favorite cookie.
If you are from the North you may have never had these. In the 25+ years I lived in Illinois I had never had one so I'm thinking it may be a "south'rn" thing....hence "Mississippi".
I don't know what it is exactly that a person does wrong when making these, but sometimes they don't set up like they should so they remain rather gooey. Well Jim prefers these gooey. All the relatives know if they make a batch of these and they turn out gooey, call Jim.
They are real simple to make and very good. I doubt this batch will survive till tomorrow evening. If your interested, here is the recipe.
1 stick of butter
1/4 cup cocoa
2 cups of sugar
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup peanut butter
2-1/2 - 3 cups instant oakts
1 tsp vanilla
Melt margarine in a large saucepan; add cocoa, sugar, salt and milk. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat; add peanut butter and stir until smooth. Stir in oats and vanilla. Drop by tablespoons onto waxed paper. Refrigerate until firm - about 1 hour.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Prayer Request
First I would like to ask prayer for a friend of mine. Her 19 year-old son and his girlfriend had a beautiful baby boy, Tyler, about a week ago. However, he had walked out on this girl about a week before Christmas and wasn't there for the delivery. She was rather upset, but mostly hurt. He did go see him the 2nd day and has some since then. My friend feels that he may be using drugs, and is partying and putting those things in front of the family situation. Please remember them all in your prayers as they each have a burden in this situation. This precious baby deserves so much more.
I know a great Healer of all things and that He can turn this completely around at any given moment.
Ethan, our grandson, is 4 years-old today!!
He is in Alabama and they are having a party for him on Saturday. He loves balloons so PawPaw and Gannie had bunches of birthday balloons delivered to him today. He was so excited when he called. It is always a rather one-sided conversation. He talks, rambling from one subject to another, not waiting to hear your answer or ask him a question. He is so funny. I love seeing him so excited.
I know a great Healer of all things and that He can turn this completely around at any given moment.
Ethan, our grandson, is 4 years-old today!!
He is in Alabama and they are having a party for him on Saturday. He loves balloons so PawPaw and Gannie had bunches of birthday balloons delivered to him today. He was so excited when he called. It is always a rather one-sided conversation. He talks, rambling from one subject to another, not waiting to hear your answer or ask him a question. He is so funny. I love seeing him so excited.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
I Can't Believe It Is Happening Again
I just can't believe it is happening again! I wrote in this earlier post that to me the worst movie I ever saw was Texas Chainshaw Massacre. I was totally disgusted by it. And now there are making a prequel to it!!
I know there have been many gruesome movies produced since then. But for some reason this one has stuck in my mind all these years. I really think it was the final one that I vowed never to watch another horror movie again.
I just choose not to watch such horrific movies where people are deliberately tormenting or killing others. I am not one of those people who are squimish about blood or anything, but horror movies makes me physically sick to my stomach. Actually it is making me somewhat sick just talking about all this.
I think a horror movie can be produced without all the blood and guts. Just some suspense, but not the detailed graphics.
I really don't like the fact that I have given any space here to even mention this movie, except that I have such a strong distaste for it that I needed to vent it.
Thank you for allowing me to do so.
I know there have been many gruesome movies produced since then. But for some reason this one has stuck in my mind all these years. I really think it was the final one that I vowed never to watch another horror movie again.
I just choose not to watch such horrific movies where people are deliberately tormenting or killing others. I am not one of those people who are squimish about blood or anything, but horror movies makes me physically sick to my stomach. Actually it is making me somewhat sick just talking about all this.
I think a horror movie can be produced without all the blood and guts. Just some suspense, but not the detailed graphics.
I really don't like the fact that I have given any space here to even mention this movie, except that I have such a strong distaste for it that I needed to vent it.
Thank you for allowing me to do so.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Answer
Now look closer. Did you answer correctly?
It always blesses us when the cranes (or geese) land in our pond.
It always blesses us when the cranes (or geese) land in our pond.
Look What We're Gettin'
I posted this picture of our front yard and pond a few months ago. Actually you are looking more to the right of our house. It is rather green and pretty. Take a note of where the water is in connection with the large shrub in the left side of the picture.
Here is another view looking left of our porch, towards the driveway.
Now your probably wondering why I am pointing all this out to you. Well unless you live in Arkansas or the borders thereof, you probably don't notice much about the weather here. We have already had so much rain the last few weeks and now it has been raining for the past 2 days and will continue through tomorrow. The average rainfall in January is 3.29 inches. They were calling for 7 inches this weekend.
So this is what our front yard looks like this afternoon. Notice the large shrub and the water surrounding it.
The pond again, as well as all the water standing in the yard by our porch.
There's a driveway on the other side of our pond. It runs right next to that big tree on the left, and then you can see what looks like another pond. Well that collection of water is not normally there. It is flooded right now though.
Did you notice amidst all this rain and flooding, the gift that the Lord gave us?
Sometimes we dwell on the trials and hardships we are facing and can not see what the Lord has done for us. Oh I am so guilty of this. Once I can give it to the Lord I can step back, become relaxed knowing He is in charge, and then I can see He was there all the time, working things out, caring for me, blessing me and I find comfort in Him.
If you didn't see it, look again!
Leave your answer in the comments.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Thursday Thirteen - #8
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
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Sunday, January 07, 2007
Gettin' Ready
My son, Lonny, is so proud of me. Why you say? Because it is only the 6th of January and I have already started working on things for my taxes. Yes, Saturday I began getting my office organized for the new year and starting pulling things together to be ready for our taxes.
Jim is a contractor and I do all the bookkeeping, plus we have a couple of apartment buildings, and my Mary Kay business that I have to get everything ready to file for.
Just so you don't think I sit around twiddling my thumbs when I don't have any work to do on those projects....since my step-father-in-law passed away last year I also oversee my MIL's finances; and don't forget I have an outside office job.
Anyway today my office looks ransacked, with folders everywhere, papers, etc. And if you read an earlier post I mentioned that I really like to be organized especially when it comes to my office. So I am about to lose my mind here.....just having the mess.
The good thing is I get to start fresh with the new year. Clean, neat folders in there place.
Let's remember Rob and Barb these next few days as Rob undergoes surgery Monday for his shoulder. This ordeal has been a trying time for Barb (and Rob) but as she is leaning on the Lord, she is experiencing faith, comfort, and peace. Our prayers go out to them.
I had asked for a pressure cooker for Christmas and my daughter and her husband got one for me. Yesterday I cooked beans in it and made some cornbread. It made me a little nervous for fear that I would cook them dry and the pan would explode. But my boss uses one all the time at work making different things and it amazed me that he could come in and start cooking beans at 11:00 in a pressure cooker and we could eat them for lunch at 12:00. Or cook meat in a much shorter time than normal. If anyone has any good recipes that they use their pressure cooker for I would appreciate you sharing them with me.
Jim is a contractor and I do all the bookkeeping, plus we have a couple of apartment buildings, and my Mary Kay business that I have to get everything ready to file for.
Just so you don't think I sit around twiddling my thumbs when I don't have any work to do on those projects....since my step-father-in-law passed away last year I also oversee my MIL's finances; and don't forget I have an outside office job.
Anyway today my office looks ransacked, with folders everywhere, papers, etc. And if you read an earlier post I mentioned that I really like to be organized especially when it comes to my office. So I am about to lose my mind here.....just having the mess.
The good thing is I get to start fresh with the new year. Clean, neat folders in there place.
Let's remember Rob and Barb these next few days as Rob undergoes surgery Monday for his shoulder. This ordeal has been a trying time for Barb (and Rob) but as she is leaning on the Lord, she is experiencing faith, comfort, and peace. Our prayers go out to them.
I had asked for a pressure cooker for Christmas and my daughter and her husband got one for me. Yesterday I cooked beans in it and made some cornbread. It made me a little nervous for fear that I would cook them dry and the pan would explode. But my boss uses one all the time at work making different things and it amazed me that he could come in and start cooking beans at 11:00 in a pressure cooker and we could eat them for lunch at 12:00. Or cook meat in a much shorter time than normal. If anyone has any good recipes that they use their pressure cooker for I would appreciate you sharing them with me.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Just What I Needed.....
Well if I did make resolutions....and I'm not saying I do, but if I was going to....exercising would be one I would list. However, I want you to know that I do not like to exercise, I never have and it doesn't take much of an excuse for me to quit.
However, I had bought a treadmill about 4-5 months ago...once again thinking I would give it a try...and I have been on it one time. But in the back of my mind (what with all the talk of resolutions and all) I was thinking I might give it another try and get into some kind of routine. Then I came across Nancy's "I'm Goin For A Walk, Wanna Come" adventure on BooMama's post this morning. Sounds interesting and fun......and some accountability is attached.
However, I had bought a treadmill about 4-5 months ago...once again thinking I would give it a try...and I have been on it one time. But in the back of my mind (what with all the talk of resolutions and all) I was thinking I might give it another try and get into some kind of routine. Then I came across Nancy's "I'm Goin For A Walk, Wanna Come" adventure on BooMama's post this morning. Sounds interesting and fun......and some accountability is attached.
So if you think this may be something your interested in doing go on over, sign up and put on your walking shoes, we're on our way to Oregon!!
Monday, January 01, 2007
IT'S 2007!!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
I can remember as a child thinking that by the time we reached the year 2000 we would be flying around in vehicles like "The Jetsons", pushing buttons to prepare meals, robots to clean the house, etc. Well we do have robotic vacumns, lots of gadgets to help in cooking, but we just aren't flying like that yet. Which I think may be a blessing now!
I quit making resolutions years ago.
I guess if I have some OCD it would be that I like to have an organized office space. Which for the past couple of months I have felt rather displaced when it comes to my office. I can't quite get things worked out in just the right functional manner. While I normally am excited about starting a new year and getting all my files new again, etc. I can't seem to get into it this year. I don't know if its because I have so many different things I need to do, and want to do, that I can't seem to decide which one I'm going to do. And one thing I have learned about myself is that sometimes if I don't think I am going to accomplish something "perfectly", I just won't do it at all. Hopefully I will get over this soon...real soon...and will get started on something.
Ethan left to go home this morning. That makes me sad.
I have a prayer request for my husband, Jim. He has had glaucoma since he was a young boy. In the last 15 years he has had 3 trabeculectomy surgeries (2 on his good eye and 1 on his blind eye). His last surgery was in 1999 and with that surgery he also received a miracle. Not only was his vision so good he could read the finest print without his glasses, but he no longer had to use medication to control the pressures. Mind you he still had no depth perception, but I would have to get him to read things for me, cause I can't read without my glasses. He knows he has been very blessed these past 7 years. However, recently his pressure had increased and now he is back on the drops. As with so many medications there are side effects and with using the Cosopt eye drops he is experiencing extreme headaches. I can't imagine pushing forward everyday to work, etc., dad after day and not receiving a break from the pain. It makes for a very trying day. So please say a prayer on his behalf that these headaches will subside.
Well I'm off now to do "something", whichever task I can decide on.
May God bless you throughout this new year!
I can remember as a child thinking that by the time we reached the year 2000 we would be flying around in vehicles like "The Jetsons", pushing buttons to prepare meals, robots to clean the house, etc. Well we do have robotic vacumns, lots of gadgets to help in cooking, but we just aren't flying like that yet. Which I think may be a blessing now!
I quit making resolutions years ago.
I guess if I have some OCD it would be that I like to have an organized office space. Which for the past couple of months I have felt rather displaced when it comes to my office. I can't quite get things worked out in just the right functional manner. While I normally am excited about starting a new year and getting all my files new again, etc. I can't seem to get into it this year. I don't know if its because I have so many different things I need to do, and want to do, that I can't seem to decide which one I'm going to do. And one thing I have learned about myself is that sometimes if I don't think I am going to accomplish something "perfectly", I just won't do it at all. Hopefully I will get over this soon...real soon...and will get started on something.
Ethan left to go home this morning. That makes me sad.
I have a prayer request for my husband, Jim. He has had glaucoma since he was a young boy. In the last 15 years he has had 3 trabeculectomy surgeries (2 on his good eye and 1 on his blind eye). His last surgery was in 1999 and with that surgery he also received a miracle. Not only was his vision so good he could read the finest print without his glasses, but he no longer had to use medication to control the pressures. Mind you he still had no depth perception, but I would have to get him to read things for me, cause I can't read without my glasses. He knows he has been very blessed these past 7 years. However, recently his pressure had increased and now he is back on the drops. As with so many medications there are side effects and with using the Cosopt eye drops he is experiencing extreme headaches. I can't imagine pushing forward everyday to work, etc., dad after day and not receiving a break from the pain. It makes for a very trying day. So please say a prayer on his behalf that these headaches will subside.
Well I'm off now to do "something", whichever task I can decide on.
May God bless you throughout this new year!
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Ramblin On
I guess it was such a busy week with Christmas, and the kids being around, grandkids, etc., but Jim and I both forgot our 13th wedding anniversary on Friday, December 29th.
Ethan, our 4-year-old grandson, goes back to Alabama tomorrow. It has been such a joy to have him here...especially when he says "I love you Grannie" (yeah, we've gone from Gannie to Drwannie to Grannie now.
Cody, our 14-year-old grandson, has been here all week too. He has been hanging out with his PawPaw and me a lot this week.
Most would recognize this as a heat register.
This is a hole at the bottom stair which should be covered by previously mentioned heat register.
This "innocent" looking young boy may have been responsible for removing said register and depositing a lovely orange down the heat/air duct work. (Only to rot and be warmed by heat at a later date). Thankfully his Uncle Lonny voluntarily crawled under the house to the duct work and retrieved orange....along with additional objects such as balls which obviously shows us this lad had done this in his even earlier years.
As I was standing around the hole saying things like "Oh Ethan, this is not good" and "Lonny, we have got to get that orange out of there", etc. Ethan comes up to me and grabs each side of my pants, looks up at me so sweetly, shaking his head up and down, and says "It'll be okay Grannie".
Oh the joys of children! I sure do love that little boy!
Ethan, our 4-year-old grandson, goes back to Alabama tomorrow. It has been such a joy to have him here...especially when he says "I love you Grannie" (yeah, we've gone from Gannie to Drwannie to Grannie now.
Cody, our 14-year-old grandson, has been here all week too. He has been hanging out with his PawPaw and me a lot this week.
Most would recognize this as a heat register.
This is a hole at the bottom stair which should be covered by previously mentioned heat register.
This "innocent" looking young boy may have been responsible for removing said register and depositing a lovely orange down the heat/air duct work. (Only to rot and be warmed by heat at a later date). Thankfully his Uncle Lonny voluntarily crawled under the house to the duct work and retrieved orange....along with additional objects such as balls which obviously shows us this lad had done this in his even earlier years.
As I was standing around the hole saying things like "Oh Ethan, this is not good" and "Lonny, we have got to get that orange out of there", etc. Ethan comes up to me and grabs each side of my pants, looks up at me so sweetly, shaking his head up and down, and says "It'll be okay Grannie".
Oh the joys of children! I sure do love that little boy!
Monday, December 25, 2006
Merry Christmas!
It is 8:00 Christmas morning and I've been up since 5:30 am. I am the only one up so far.
It has been raining most of the night. They were calling for a possibility of snow mixed with rain later today. It's pretty wet so it probably won't stick.
This morning I have boiled two chickens for my MIL to make dressing with. I've washed a load of clothes, made a pitcher of sweet tea, a pot of coffee, ate a bowl of cereal, and read some blogs.
Now I'm anxiously waiting for Kyle to call me from Georgia after they have opened their gifts. My granddaughter is only 20 months old so she doesn't know to be excited and wake up early yet.
I'm really anxious for my almost 4-year-old grandson Ethan to arrive too. He should be arriving about 3-3:30. It's been a little over a month since I have seen him and then it was only for about an hour.
We aren't actually having our Christmas celebration until Tuesday. Since Ethan won't be here until later this afternoon and Lisa and Danny can't be here until about 10:00 tonight. We decided we would have ours tomorrow morning.
But things will be going on around here all day. I've got some pies to make still. Lisa and Danny will be here about 12:00 to open gifts with Lonny (he has to work tomorrow). Then they have to be at his folks at 1:00 for a birthday celebration for Danny's mom, before they do Christmas tonight. They always have a separate celebration for her birthday and Christmas because they are both today. Danny's brother will be flying in this afternoon.
Then Ethan will be arriving a little later on. And from that point on our quiet little corner of the world will be in a whirlwind! And I.can't.wait!
So for now I'm just waiting on things to start happening. Hope you have a Merry Christmas!
Nativity
The Truth of the Nativity
John MacArthur
The story of the first Christmas is so beloved that singers and storytellers across the centuries have embellished and elaborated and mythologized the story in celebration. However, most people now don't know which details are biblical and which are fabricated. People usually imagine the manger scene with snow, singing angels, many worshipers, and a little drummer boy. None of that is found in the biblical account.
Christmas has become the product of an odd mixture of pagan ideas, superstition, fanciful legends, and plain ignorance. Add to that the commercialization of Christmas by marketers and the politicization of Christmas in the culture wars, and you're left with one big mess. Let's try to sort it out. The place to begin is in God's Word, the Bible. Here we find not only the source of the original account of Christmas, but also God's commentary on it.
We can't know Jesus if we don't understand He is real. The story of His birth is no allegory. We dare not romanticize it or settle for a fanciful legend that renders the whole story meaningless. Mary and Joseph were real people. Their dilemma on finding no room at the inn surely was as frightening for them as it would be for you or me. The manger in which Mary laid Jesus must have reeked of animal smells. So did the shepherds, in all probability. That first Christmas was anything but picturesque.
But that makes it all the more wondrous. That baby in the manger is God! Immanuel!
That's the heart and soul of the Christmas message. There weren't many worshipers around the original manger-only a handful of shepherds. But one day every knee will bow before Him, and every tongue will confess He is Lord (Philippians 2:9-11). Those who doubt Him, those who are His enemies, those who merely ignore Him-all will one day bow, too, even if it be in judgment.
How much better to honor Him now with the worship He deserves! That's what Christmas ought to inspire.
Unvarnished Truth
Luke 2:7 sets the scene: ?[Mary] gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.?
That verse is explicitly concerned with a lonely birth. There were no midwives, no assistance to Mary at all. The Bible doesn't even mention that Joseph was present. Perhaps he was, but if he was typical of first-time fathers, he would have been of little help to Mary. She was basically on her own.
Mary brought forth the child; she wrapped Him in swaddling cloths; and she laid Him in a manger. Where usually a midwife would clean the baby and wrap Him, there was no one. Mary did it herself. And where usually there would have been a cradle or basket for the baby, there was none. Mary had to put Him in an animal's feeding trough.
When Christ entered the world, He came to a place that had some of the smelliest, filthiest, and most uncomfortable conditions. But that is part of the wonder of divine grace, isn't it? When the Son of God came down from heaven, He came all the way down. He did not hang on to His equality with God; rather, He set it aside for a time and completely humbled Himself (Philippians 2:5-8).
Unlikely Testimony
Luke 2:8-20 describes the experience of the shepherds when Jesus was born. Think about that for a moment. Out of the whole of Jerusalem society, God picked a band of shepherds to hear the news of Jesus' birth. That's intriguing because shepherds were among the lowest and most despised social groups.
The very nature of shepherds' work kept them from entering into the mainstream of Israel's society. They couldn't maintain the ceremonial washings and observe all the religious festivals and feasts, yet these shepherds, just a few miles from Jerusalem, were undoubtedly caring for sheep that someday would be used as sacrifices in the temple. How fitting it is that they were the first to know of the Lamb of God!
More significant, they came to see Him the night he was born. No one else did. Though the shepherds went back and told everyone what they had seen and heard, and though ?all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds? (v. 18), not one other person came to see firsthand.
Scripture doesn't describe how the shepherds' search for the baby Jesus actually unfolded, but it's not unreasonable to assume that they entered Bethlehem and asked questions: ?Does anybody know about a baby being born here in town tonight??
The shepherds might have knocked on several doors and seen other newborn babies before they found the special Child lying in the feeding trough. At that moment, those humble men knew for certain that the angels' announcement was a word from God. After their encounter with Joseph and Mary and Jesus, the shepherds couldn't help but tell others about what the angels had told them. They became, in effect, the first New Testament evangelists.
The shepherd's story is a good illustration of the Christian life. You first hear the revelation of the gospel and believe it (Romans 10:9-10). Then you pursue and embrace Christ. And having become a witness to your glorious conversion, you begin to tell others about it (Luke 2:17).
May God grant you the life-changing spiritual experiences and the ongoing attitude of enthusiasm and responsiveness that causes you to tell others that you, too, have seen Christ the Lord.
Adapted from God's Gift of Christmas, © 2006 by John MacArthur. All rights reserved.
Provided by Crosswalk.com
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Monday, December 18, 2006
New Christmas Decorations
Saturday I took my MIL to town to do some shopping. We ended up having lunch at Cracker Barrel, and who can go to Cracker Barrel without shopping!! Well they were having a 40% off sale on most of their Christmas items and I found this adorable quilted church for only $3.20. They also had a "Toy Shop", "Candy Store" and a "Post Office".
This beautiful set of angels was $29.99 and I got it for $17.99. The larger angel will begin singing "Silent Night" and then the other two angels will come in so that they are singing 3 different parts. They are also fiber optic and as each one sings the wings light up. They also sing "Angels We Have Heard On High".
You might want to check out your local Cracker Barrel, if there is one near you!
This beautiful set of angels was $29.99 and I got it for $17.99. The larger angel will begin singing "Silent Night" and then the other two angels will come in so that they are singing 3 different parts. They are also fiber optic and as each one sings the wings light up. They also sing "Angels We Have Heard On High".
You might want to check out your local Cracker Barrel, if there is one near you!
Friday, December 15, 2006
Christmas Tour of Homes
Welcome to the Christmas Tour of Homes hosted by BooMama! Be sure to visit the other homes as I'm sure you won't be disappointed.And you can do it from the convenience of your own home! No getting in and out of your car! Trudging through snow or ice....no siree, not on this tour! No bundling up and still being cold! That's right!
So grab a cup of coffee, flavored or regular; or a cup of hot chocolate, maybe even a Diet Coke, pull up a chair and enjoy! But don't forget to comment and thank all the hosts you visit!
COME ON IN!
Would you like some coffee or hot chocolate?
This year I am trying to keep Christmas simple so I decided to put up our 6' tree instead of the 12'. Believe me that was much simpler!
We top our tree with this beautiful angel given to me by my mother several years ago.
On my buffet I have displayed a wooden family caroling, a antiquish (I'm not sure that's a word, but it works for me) tin row of buildings. There is a place for the candles in the back which allows it to look as if the lights are on in the buildings. The picture didn't demonstrate this very well. And I also have a another centerpiece that I spoke about on this post, only this one belonged to my mother.
I have about 3 different fiber optic snowmen like this, but I only put one out this year. These wooden ornaments on the right are ones given to me over the years.
The tall soldier was one my oldest son, Lonny, gave me when he was 8. It has his name and the year on it.
This little car ornament was one that my mother gave me in 1988. I had been divorced for 6 years and had just purchased a house that August as well as a new Dodge Omni car. This wasn't exactly a replica of an Omni but it symbolized it just the same.
This is a tree I have in my office. This tree and the little white ceramic church belonged to my mother. You can set a candle in the church too.
These little wooden signs are hanging in my office too.
In the half-bath downstairs I have this little tree. It does have lights on it but I turned them off to take this picture.
This is my kitchen tree. I have so much fun decorating with those tiny little ornaments.
There would be no Christmas celebration if it weren't for this....Baby Jesus. In honor of your birth and all that you are we wish you Happy Birthday!
Thanks so much for stopping by. Our hope is that you and your family have a joyous Christmas celebration and a Happy New Year!
I have this christmas ball wreath on the inside of the front door as you head out. I purchased it a couple of years ago from ABC Distributing for just a few dollars. I really love how it is so colorful.
Now head on over to BooMama's and enjoy the Christmas Tour of Homes!
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