AMEN

Soul Food

Psalm 19:7-14 (King James Version)

7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Grocery shopping with my wife, Martie, is like taking a seminar in nutrition. I’ll often pick up a box of something that looks good, and she’ll say: “Look at the label. Are there trans-fats? What’s the calorie count? How about the cholesterol rating?” I have to confess that if she weren’t the nutrition cop in my life, I’d look like Shamu the whale!
More important than making good choices in the grocery store is thinking carefully about the food we digest for our souls. I love the verse that says: “Your words were found, and I ate them” (Jer. 15:16).
When we read God’s Word, we have to be doing more than checking it off our to-do list. We have to read it to digest it. Slow, thoughtful absorption of the Word of God with quiet reflection on its implications is high in nutrition. His Word provides all the ingredients we need to thrive spiritually:
a direct connection to the sustainer of our soul
brain food that makes us wise and discerning
a daily check-up revealing the condition of our hearts
preventive medicine keeping us from sin
a spiritual shower of peace, hope, and comfort
Eat God’s Word. It’s a spiritual feast! — Joe Stowell

God’s Word provides the nourishment That Christians need if we’re to grow; But if we do not feast on it, A vibrant faith we’ll never know. —Sper

The Bible contains all the nutrients for a healthy soul.

Taken from OUR DAILY BREAD

Snow

Snow, isn't it pretty!

My JRT, Spike, being

squirly in the snow!

I did up nine loaves of banana bread yesterday.

Got four of them delivered out to Kuna, for

my nieces and nephews CHRISTmas.

Will be doing cookies and not sure what else

today. Finished knitting a scarf, hat and scarf set

went out to Aunt Patti.

Have a good day one and all.

Pics of this years CHRISTmas card for Bobbinoggin. The Christ is Born and the Immanuel CHRISTmas tree are this years, the other 2 were on kitchen table from previous years stash.

Merry CHRISTmas to all.....it is SNOWY here. The neighbor has his tractor out clearing the lane we live on.....if it warms up just a touch, I could go make a snow man....ha ha!

Pass it ON!

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning

Commentary..My confession: I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees.. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year.. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu . If people want a crèche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away. I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat. Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to. In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking. Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?' In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK. Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK. Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves. Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.' Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace. Are you laughing yet? Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us. Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it.... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in. My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully, Ben Stein, aired on CBS Morning.

This devotion spoke to my heart this morning. During this season especially, for those who have lost loved ones, it is paticularly awkward to talk about, bringing the loved one into a conversation, or being hurt because it seems as though their loved one has been forgotten. If you know of a family that is hurting this time of year due to a loss of a loved one, or loss of employment, show them the love of Christ, call them, encourage them, let them know that you are praying for them and that you haven't forgotten their loved one, or the situation that they are in. Maybe even share a special memory of that loved one, that will let them know that you still care about them.... my words are so inadequate...here is the devotion....God Bless each of you this holiday season, please remember the reason for the season, share Christ's love with whomever God lays on your heart.

He will not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. —Psalm 112:7

Our life had always been rather simple. When my wife and I were first married, we were not looking for riches or fame—just a way to glorify God with whatever He gave us to do. In all arenas of our life, that purpose stayed clear. As our children grew and I began working at RBC Ministries, our goal continued to center around glorifying God.
But then, in 2002, came bad news of the worst kind. Our third child, 17-year-old Melissa, was unexpectedly ushered into heaven. Suddenly, we were forced to rethink things. Could we, in our new identity as bereaved parents, still find a way to glorify God? Or did this unbearable circumstance alter our perspective and goal?
We’ve spent a lot of time pondering that question. When the One you’ve entrusted with your children to, allows one of them to be taken, it would be easy to stop trusting, serving, and pointing others to God. But the psalmist’s words showed us the way. He said that the person who fears God “will never be shaken . . . . His heart is steadfast” (Ps. 112:6-7). And so we—and you, no matter what you are facing—can continue to be “steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”

Even in the face of “evil tidings,” the task remains: Glorify God. — Dave Branon

Griefs bravely borne may serve Him And richly glorify, As quiet waters mirror The beauty of the sky. —Nicholson

Trust through sorrow brings triumph over sadness.

This was from taken from Our Daily Bread.

Rejoice in The Reason for the Season

During an all-night festival in Paris, five young people, apparently drunk, broke into the Orsay Museum and left a 4-inch gash in a priceless painting by Claude Monet. Culture Minister Christine Albanel said the painting could be restored, but she was deeply disturbed at the damage done by “a purely criminal act.”
One news headline read: “Monet Masterpiece Marred.” To mar is to injure or damage; to spoil, disfigure, or impair. It’s an apt description of sin’s effect on us. We know well the results of our own choices made in ignorance or defiance of God.
As we approach Christmas, it’s good to remember why Jesus was born. The Son of God did not come to establish a nostalgic, family-oriented, commercially successful holiday. The angel told Joseph: “[Mary] will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21).
Christmas began with a present from God to His sin-damaged world: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 6:23).
The masterpiece of God’s human creation, marred by turning away from Him, can be restored when we give our hearts to Christ. — David C. McCasland
He came into this world a babe,This world that He Himself had made;He came to do the Father’s will,That ended on dark Calvary’s hill. —Newstrom
Jesus came to earth to repair our sin-damaged lives.

Expectations

You can expect to enjoy God’s presence when you honor Him with your life.

Philippians 1:12-21 (King James Version)

12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;
14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

In all I think and say and do,I long, O God, to honor You; But may my highest motive be To love the Christ who died for me. —D. De Haan

(taken from our Daily Bread)

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.