Show Yourself Caring

At this time of year and all year really, the Lord calls us to show love and compassion. This mornings devotion from Our Daily Bread says it all. Show special care to those that have family overseas involved in the Armed Services. Show special care to those who have lost loved ones. Show yourself as Jesus instructed and He lived...love thy neighbor as thyself.....hope you think about and enjoy this devotion.

Romans 12:9-21 (King James Version)

9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.


The next month will be very difficult for many people who are still reeling from a loss this past year. The crippling hurt caused by the absence of a loved one can cloud holiday gatherings and even dim the desire to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Poet Ann Weems has written:
Some of us walk into Advent tethered to our unresolved yesterdays, the pain still stabbing,the hurt still throbbing. It’s not that we don’t know better; it’s just that we can’t stand up anymore by ourselves. On the way to Bethlehem, will you give us a hand?
In Romans 12:9-21, Paul gives ways to express practical Christianity in our relationships. One seems especially needed at this time of year: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (v.15). We can “give a hand” to grieving friends and family by understanding their sorrow and not expecting them to “get over it” in time to celebrate the holidays. We can freely mention the name of the person whose death has brought such desolation and then share a fond memory. We can be quiet, listen, and pray for God’s help.

Only God can heal the deep wounds of the heart, but we can lend a hand. — David C. McCasland

If I can help some wounded heart, If I can by my love impart Some blessing that will help more now—Lord, just show me how. —Brandt

No one is strong enough to bear his burdens alone.

A Convenient Christianity

This devotion really made me think this morning, am I really dead to self, my interests, my desires, my time, Or, am I totally sold out to Christ? Is there a little bit still in me, that wants my way? I am examining my heart to make sure that I am not living "A Convenient Christian lifestyle"!

Matthew 16:24-28
24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

So many television programs, so little time to watch them. Apparently that’s what our culture thinks, because now technology allows us to see an hour-long program in just 6 minutes or less! The Minisode Network has pruned episodes of popular series into shorter, more convenient packages for interested viewers. “The shows you love—only shorter” is how it’s advertised. All to make our life more convenient.
Some have tried to make the Christian life more convenient. They choose to practice Christianity on Sunday only. They attend a religious service at whatever church makes them most comfortable. They give a small offering and are nice to fellow churchgoers—nothing that requires much effort on their part. That way they can have the rest of the week to themselves, to live as they please.
That would be a convenient Christianity. But we know that following Jesus is a lifestyle and not a Sunday-only convenience. Being a “disciple” calls for giving up our lives for Him (Matt. 16:25). It’s about living as Jesus calls us to live, daily giving up our plans and purposes for His. A relationship with Him causes us to be concerned with our thoughts, decisions, attitudes, and actions—all to make our life joy-filled for us and pleasing to God. — Anne Cetas
The Christian life is more than justA prayer of faith made in the past;It’s dedicating every dayTo live for Christ and what will last. —Sper
Faith in Christ is not just a single step but a life of walking with Him.

The Bounty

G'Pa carving the bird.

Kasey getting lots of help making gravy.

Honey enjoying Thanksgiving!

Thankyou Jesus, for all of your blessings.

Banana Bread and Cranberry Salad

My family teases me about being "Donna Domestic"!
I hope they will enjoy this cranberry salad, I still need to make the corn casserole.

Thankyou Sis Reyes, for the banana's....the bread recipe is from Megan's recipe. We

are short a loaf, Mr Leonard REALLY enjoyed that one!

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all.

Blackie

This is our good old dog Blackie. Kasey brought her

home one afternoon. As she got off of the bus,

she saw her in my mother's trash can, trying to

get something to eat. She was very thin. It was

during hunting season, we are sure she ran away.

She is very afraid of the sound of guns, fireworks, etc.

We are not sure how old she is, we are guessing 14.

She is a good old doggy...she has done her job well

around the Leonard household.

Hope you are all enjoying your families this

Thanksgiving, remember to take care of the

four legged family memebers as well.

Tell someone you love, Thank you.

Blessings...me.

Jobs

I remember my mother singing, I owe, I owe, so off to work I go.....boy howdy.
I am looking for work, have a real nice lead...please pray for the Lord's perfect
will. I want to be where HE wants me to be. I do have a financial obligation, that
I would like to get taken care of.....so, I look , I look, I pray, I pray..and think
He won't close one door w/o opening another....to all, thank you for praying.
Praise the Lord in ALL things...love and prayers to all and HAPPY WEEKEND.

Mr Leonard

Mr Leonard and Spike and Josie Lynn.

We are waiting for him to get up so we

can do some errands. He worked last nite

so, he is getting his beauty sleep.

Love and prayers to all....me.

Mr Leonard's Buffalo Hunt

Mr Leonard's Buffalo, should be good

eating.

Prayer Request

Please be in a prayer for a long time family friend. This would be my oldest friends, father in law and Bobbinoggin's Grandfather. He is facing some difficult health decisions....please pray for wisdom and discernment, and the peace that passeth ALL understanding...love and prayers to all.....and, Praise HIM in ALL things.

Pretty in Pink

Drum Roll Please....Not only is this a good

picture of my kasey baby, Please notice the

hat....are you ready.....yes, yes, I actually

made this...it is so cute....very pretty pink, with

a multi color black yarn with matching pink in

it....OK Melissa, what you think?

Beings this is my very first attempt, please, ONLY

kind criticism.....and, I even made my JRT, Josie Lynn

a sweater.....wowzer....love and prayers to all, Sis Katie.

This is my Mr. Leonard....on the left holding the 2 smaller
salmon. The 2 gentlemen on his left holding the 90#
halibut are his buddies that accompanied him to Alaska.
Mr. Leonard caught the halibut....love and prayers to all.

Day 3

Received my "FINAL" paycheck today.

today, was hard emotionally...specially when you hear different things.
I had always done a good job for my company, worked hard, was loyal.
Didn't get involved in work politics, lead a Godly life at work.
This Chapter is now over. I am looking forward to what the Lord has for me
ahead....i want my company to make it...i mean i want the company i used
to work for to make it.......please keep me in your prayers as the Lord leads
...my heart is broken,
but my spirit is still in-tact....PRAISE THE LORD.

Hello,

Day 2....this is a strange time for me. I have had a regular job, since....1972. With a brief period between 1983 and 1984 not working full time. I kind of feel
like I do not have a purpose, if that makes sense. I did some research, and losing
gainful employment is likened unto a death....I feel at a loss.
I know God is in control. I know that HE will not shut one door without opening
another...so I am resting in Him. One thing is for sure, HE has given me the peace that passeth ALL understanding. As I pulled out of my company's parking lot yesterday, it really hit me....that I would no longer go there every day and leave there everyday. Then yesterday afternoon as I sat in my living room, thinking, God, what is it you have for me, what will I do now?
I love the Lord and am so thankful that HE has me in the palm of His hands. I think of the song Tennessee Ernie Ford used to sing, when I was a child...He has the Whole world in His hands...that means me too, bloggers...He knows my name, He called me.
Whatever lies ahead, I am better suited to deal with what comes my way...because of HIM. The Bible, our road map, says to Praise HIM in ALL THINGS....Glory be to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords....be blessed this day and Praise His Name.

Today was my last day at the company I have worked at Since January of 1996. Of course, I will no longer receive emails at that address....love and prayers to all.