Thankful

This is the day that Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. This is the day, This is the day, that the Lord has made.
I am thankful to the Lord, HE called me by name, HE didn't just say 'hey you'. HE called me by name!
I am thankful for HIS mercy, HIS longsuffering, HIS grace. I am thankful the HE loves me, that HE teaches me, that HE corrects me.
I am thankful that HE provides all of my needs and some of my wants.
But more than all of this, I am thankful and appreciate that HE saw something in me, something HE could use to win lost and dyeing souls. I Praise you this day and everyday. I thank you, the ONE that knows the beginning from the end, the Alpha and Omega, the Great and Mighty God. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords, I thank You.
If you are thankful, reply with what you are thankful for.

25 Random Facts

1 I LOVE when the Holy Ghost moves during services.

2 I LOVE the silence and do not have the radio or cd player on when driving in the car.

3 I LOVE the smell of fresh cut hay, thunderstorms, and my sweaty horse.

4 I LOVE when my dog spike, looks at me like I am the only thing that walks.

5 I sleep with my bedroom door shut and my window open in the winter.

6 My absolutely favorite candy is See's milk chocolate bordeaux.

7 I love very early mornings, with the birds singing, and very late evenings when the crickets
are chirping.

8 I have two best friends.

9 I LOVE to ride my bike.

10 I like surprises of any kind, I like to try to figure out
what the surprise is.

11 I loved when I was little and we lived on the diary farm in New Plymouth.

12 I used to ride cows when I was little, I would get on one and the rest would follow us
into the milk barn for milking.

13 I LOVED to torment my little brother, till he got bigger than me and returned the favor!

14 I very much enjoy going to different parts of the country and listening to the different
accents in peoples speech.

15 I am an avid people watcher.

16 I wanted to be a nurse, a counselor and a veterinarian, when i grew up. None of those came to
fruition.

17 I was my daddy's boy. Meaning I was a tomboy, and wanted to do everything with daddy.

18 I love to watch children, when they get what you are teaching them....love, love, love that.

19 I have one fear and that is the un-known.

20 I want my husband and daughter, to be proud of me in the WORST way.

21 I love my alone times, when it is just me and it is quiet and no one wants anything from me.

22 I LOVE making people happy.

23 I want to have my actions speak louder than my words, in other words I want to walk the
talk.

24 I love to stand outside when it is raining in the spring.

25 I very much enjoy, Cara Mocha frappes from Moxie Java.

Melissa, i tag you, what are 25 random facts about you.

Katieology

Let others know a little more about yourself, re-post this as your name followed by "ology" Then tag 20 people of your choice.

FOOD-OLOGY
What is your salad dressing of choice? ranch
What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? Big Jud's
What food could you eat for 2 weeks straight and not get sick of it? Tuna Fish Sandwich
What are your pizza toppings of choice? combo
What do you like to put on your toast?butter, peanut butter and raspberry jelly

TECHNOLOGY
How many televisions are in your house? three
What color cell phone do you have? black
What does the first text message in your inbox say and who sent it? we don't text
Who was the last person to call you? kasey
Are you right-handed or left-handed? Right
Have you ever had anything removed from your body? my wisdom teeth
What is the last heavy item you lifted? 4 bales of hay.

BALONEYOLOGY
If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? no.
If you could change your name, what would you change it to?I wouldn't
Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?nope.

DUMBOLOGY
How many pairs of flip flops do you own?none.
Last time you had a run-in with the cops? i wouldn't say it was a run-in, was driving home from the Caldwell nite rodeo and was pulled over, because I had a headlite out.
Last person you talked to in person: My husband.
Favorite Month?March/April, because we celebrate the ressurection of Christ, Praise the Lord.

CURRENTOLOGY
Missing someone?Damon, My Momma and my good old dog blackie.
Mood? happy
What are you listening to? the news on TV.
Watching?the computer while I type
Worrying about? nothing.

RANDOMOLOGY
What's the last movie you watched? Fireproof
Do you smile often? yes.
Do you always answer your phone? no.
Its four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it? I don't get text messages.
If you could change your eye color what would it be? wouldn't.
What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? I don't?
Do you own a digital camera? Yes
Have you ever had a pet fish? Yes.
Favorite Christmas song? Chestnuts Roasting on a Open Fire.
Whats on your wish list for your birthday? i wanted new windsheild wipers.
Can you do push ups? maybe one.
Can you do a chin up? not at all
Does the future make you more nervous or excited? excited.
Do you have any saved texts? no
Ever been in a car wreck? Yes
Do you have an accent? no
What is the last song to make you cry?"When the dear panteth for the water, last nite at church?
Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? yes, that is when i asked Jesus to forgive me and invited Him into my heart.
Plans tonite. quiet evening with Mr Leonard.
Name 3 things you bought yesterday. eggs, bread and soda.
Have you ever been given roses? yes
Current worry? none.
Current hate right now? hate is a STRONG word, i dislike being lied to.
Met someone who changed your life? When? yes. 1982
What song represents you? I'm Still Holding On.
Name three people who might complete this....i don't know
What were you doing 12 AM last night? sleeping
What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? Thanking Jesus and praising His name.

Who to tag, beings, i have no clue if anyone reads my blogs, hmmmmmmm. ... .
kasey, emily, crystal, bruiser, vister sicky, erika...thanks Melissa, this was fun.

This is the day the Lord has made, I shall be glad and rejoice in it. This song is going through my head. Then this scripture from Hebrews 2:3a how shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salvation?
I have LOTS of friends who say they are Christians, they think that because they don't cheat, lie or steal, and that they are good to people and obey the laws of the lands, that they will make heaven when they die.
I wonder if at times we decieve ourselves into thinking this way? The Bible says that we are called, that we are choosen, that to make heaven our home we must first admit that we are sinners and ask Jesus to forgive us and then ask Him to come into our hearts. But it doesn't end there, we must follow after Him, we must keep his commandments. We must die to self, this is a hard one for me. There are times when I am so pooped, that I just want to set down and rest. But, there are those who haven't heard about Jesus and His saving grace. Who will tell them, what if we all decided we were just too tired to tell others of Jesus? What if the day I learned of Jesus and you learned of Jesus, the person decided they were just too tired?
Oh Lord forgive me, help me to remember the day I was saved. Help me to remember where I came from. Help me to remember that my rest will be in heaven, not in this earthly life.
Even though, I feel that I am of no use, of no value, the Lord has put me here for a reason and that reason is to tell others about Jesus Christ. Yes, there are those who will hate me for my stand, but God will give me the grace to stand. There are those who will go to the other side of the road so as not to have to have a conversation with me. But, it is not about me, it is about the greatest gift I have ever recieved, that gift is salvation. Jesus died for me, and He died for you/ When you hear that knock at your hearts door, open it and let Him in, YOU will never be sorry!
He didn't promise us that it would be a walk in the Rose Garden, but He did promise us that it would be worth it to serve Him and tell others of Him.
I love you Jesus.....This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.

Thankful

Have you ever been so over come with Thankfullness, like your soul was suddenly flooded with joy and peace and praise for the ONE who knows the beginning from the end?
As I set here and look at my sleeping daughter, I am suddenly flooded with such and OVERWELMING love for my Lord, such a Praise for HIM.
I am so thankful, that HE has choosen me. I want to be ever about HIS
business, ever about and ready for what it is that HE has for me to do
in this work.
Valentines day is tomorrow. Praise the Lord, HE was our very first Valentine.
Thank you Jesus and Happy Valentine's day to all.

Learning from Abe Lincoln

The day before his 52nd birthday, Abraham Lincoln left Springfield, Illinois, to become President of the United States. With the threat of civil war looming, he said goodbye to the friends and neighbors who had come to see him off.

“I now leave,” he told them, “not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington. Without the assistance of the Divine Being who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail. Trusting in Him who can go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well. To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell.”

Lincoln’s reliance on God for guidance and strength reflects the instruction of Solomon: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Prov. 3:5-6).
On this 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth, we celebrate his kindness, integrity, and courage. And we can also learn from him how to face a daunting future with confident hope in the Lord. — David C. McCasland

Into His hands I lay the fears that haunt me,The dread of future ills that may befall;Into His hands I lay the doubts that taunt me,And rest securely, trusting Him for all. —Christiansen

Living without trust in God is like driving in the fog.

Scripture reference..Proverbs 3:1-8

Taken from Our Daily Bread, Feb 12th, 2009.

Our 16th President of the United States, knew not what was ahead for him....but he continued on, leaning on the Lord, for guidance and wisdom. We can take a page from HIS-STORY and learn from this remarkable president. We know not what is on the morrow, but we know the ONE that does. HE says HE will never leave us nor forsake us....in these times, the challenges that are ahead, we too, like President Lincoln can say...Without the assistance of the Divine Being who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail. Trusting in Him who can go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well. ....... .to God be the Glory.

Awesome Devotion

1 Peter 2:9-17 (King James Version)

9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

Something’s Wrong With Harry

Every morning Harry, a Christian, walked into his office singing a song from the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical Oklahoma: “Oh, what a beautiful morning; oh, what a beautiful day! I got a beautiful feeling, everything’s going my way!”
But one morning, he forgot to sing. Harry soon noticed that something was wrong at the office; everyone around him seemed on edge. When he finally asked a co-worker what was wrong, she replied, “You didn’t sing this morning, and we thought you were upset!”
Harry had become known for such a cheerful, positive spirit that his co-workers were sure something was wrong with him that morning. Harry hadn’t realized how closely people were watching him, and he resolved from then on always to come to work singing.
First Peter 2 reminds us that people are observing our lives (vv.11-12). To be good representatives of Jesus Christ, Peter teaches that we’re to be submissive to authority, to live an honorable life, to do good works, to honor all people, and to fear God (vv.12-17).

The testimony of our lives can give us opportunities to share the good news of Jesus. So we might want to ask ourselves, “What do people see in me?” — Anne Cetas

Help me to sing a joyful song For those bowed down with care,A song of hope and freedom For those in dark despair. —Andrews

Do others see Jesus in you?

Praise the Lord

Psalm 8:9
O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

All creation is an outstretched finger pointing toward God.

Oh, Praise the Lord people, keep your eyes on Him and ALL of His
majesty. If we don't praise and worship HIM, the rocks will cry out! I don't wan't to be replaced by a ROCK!
Our redemption draweth nigh.............WAHOOOOOOOOOOO!

NEWSFLASH

This may not be noteworthy to a single soul but me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But
I just changed my own headlight on my car, ALL BY MYSELF, just me and GOD!
I am so proud of me, now if I could just figure out these stinkin wipers!!!!!!!!
Hope all is well in blogland....

Our Children

This was taken from Our Daily Bread this morning Jan 28th. Our Children, we all want better
for them, than we had ourselves. But what we want more than anything for them, is that they
have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.....it is our RESPONSIBILITY as parents to train
up our child(REN) in the way he/she should go and when they are old they will not depart from it.

Exodus 20:1-17

Murphy’s Laws are observations about life that seem to have the weight of experience behind them. You’ve probably heard this one: “If anything can go wrong, it will.” Here’s another one: “You can’t do just one thing; everything has its consequences.”
My own experience seems to confirm many of Murphy’s Laws, but it’s that second one that I would hang on the wall as a motto. Wrong choices have their consequences. For example, if we choose to live for pleasure, that will affect our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren (Ex. 20:4-5). If we walk away from God, we may discover that our children have taken that trip with us. Later, even if we return to Him, they may not.
But there is also good news. Devotion to the Lord has its consequences too. Men and women who live in faith before God can have a strong influence on their children and their children’s children. If they live a long life, they can witness the effect their faith has had on several generations. What satisfaction it brings to older people to see their posterity living for Christ!
Murphy and the Bible agree on this point: “Everything has its consequences.” — Haddon W. Robinson
If you sow seeds of wickedness,Sin’s harvest you will reap;But scattered seeds of righteousnessYield blessings you can keep. —Sper

People who follow Christ lead others in the right direction.

Eat it, breathe it, live it, talk it, walk it. Our children are watching and so is everyone else.
God Bless each of you this day, as you travel the strait and narrow way.

Happy Birthday to my baby brother, Mark, may you be blessed beyond measure as you strive to live your life the Bible way.

Brotherhood of Christ

Taken from Our Daily Bread, 1-17-2009

On August 8, 2005, the world learned of the dramatic rescue of seven Russian sailors trapped in a small sub entangled in a fishing net.
The men had survived 3 cold, dark days on the bottom of the ocean and had less than 6 hours of oxygen left.
Meanwhile, up above, a frantic, unified rescue effort by Russian, Japanese, British, and American personnel was underway.
Finally, the sub was freed.
The Russian Defense Minister praised the operation, saying, “We have seen in deeds, not in words, what the brotherhood of the sea means.”

The book of Ephesians talks about the unity of believers in Jesus by referring to the oneness of “the household of God” (2:19). The Gentiles, who were once “aliens” and “strangers” (v.12), had now been “brought near by the blood of Christ” (v.13), uniting them with their Jewish brothers and sisters.
This unity is to permeate the efforts of the Christians today.
Believers in Jesus are commissioned to undertake the most important rescue effort. People are dying without Christ. Praise God that united mission efforts are bringing hope, salvation, education, and relief to desperate people around the world. That’s what the brotherhood of Christ is all about. — David C. Egner

In Christ there is no East or West,In Him no South or North, HE wants that all should come to the knowledge of HIM.

A healthy church is the best witness to a hurting world.

IS your lite shining, does it need to be polished up some?

I am a walking, talking Bible to some, what they see, what they hear, is how they will view ALL, "Christians".

Is your, Is my walk the same inside the 4 walls of The Church, as it is out side of The Church?

People are watching, do they comment that there is just something about that person, that they would like to know about?

Get ready, Jesus is coming, and He is coming soon!

Praise Him in ALL THINGS

Good Morning Bloggers

It is a beautiful day here in Idaho, the skies are clear, it is cold, the sun is just starting to rise.
I am praising the LORD in ALL THINGS.
When Kasey and Damon were married, and she moved away to make her home with him, I was devastated. All I had known for 21 years was taking care of that girl, hauling her from one end of the state to the other rodeoing, whatever the reason was we were together doing everything.
The point i am trying to make is...i spent so much time worrying about her, was she ok, will she be alright, does she miss me too!
Had i spent that time praising HIM in all things, that time of seperation would have not only been easier on me, but i would have had a growth in the Lord. I missed out on both!
The Lord is well able to take care of ALL of our needs, HE sees the BIG PICTURE! HE holds the beginning and the end, rest in HIM this day and everyday and PRAISE HIM IN ALL THINGS.
God Bless each of you this day as you endeavor to serve the Lord and the people HE puts into your lives. YOU may be the ONLY BIBLE someone will see today!

The Tongue

How many times have we put our "tongue" in gear before our mind was?
Can a rung bell, be un-rung?
Many times we have used harsh words and didn't realize the effect it had on the one who
received those words.
A friend told me that her husband made a comment that she had been rude to him, with
her comments. She was oblivious. She of course made it right by him and is striving
to not repeat this error again.
We all know how it feels to be on the receiving end of this tongue in gear, mind on idle, mentality.
Let us, me, pause just a moment before we say something we will have to repent and make right for....God Bless each of you this day......

Proverbs 10:11-21 (King James Version)
11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
13 In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.
14 Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.
15 The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.
16 The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.
17 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.
18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.
19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.


Thanks a lot,” the man behind the postal counter said to the person in front of me. The clerk, Jon, had seen me in line and was hoping I would overhear him. When it was my turn, I said hello to Jon, who had been a student of mine when I taught high school in the 1980s.
“Did you notice what I said to her?” Jon asked. “I told her, ‘Thanks a lot.’” Sensing that I was missing his point, he explained, “Remember what you told us about the term a lot? You said a lot was a piece of land, not a phrase to use instead of much.”
Astounding! An English lesson from a quarter-century before had stuck with Jon through all those years. That speaks clearly to us of the importance of what we say to others. It also backs up one of my favorite lines by poet Emily Dickinson: “A word is dead when it is said, some say. I say it just begins to live that day.”

The words we say may have long-term consequences. Our comments, our compliments, and even our harsh criticisms may stick with the hearer for decades.
No wonder Scripture says, “He who restrains his lips is wise” (Prov. 10:19). The words we speak today live on. Let’s make sure they come from “the tongue of the righteous” (v.20). — Dave Branon

Father, help me live today With thoughtfulness in what I say, Confronting wrong with truth and fact, Expressing gentleness and tact. —Hess

The tongue is a small organ that creates either discord or harmony.

Taken from Our Daily Bread

I Refuse to be DISCOURAGED

Good Monring, it is 10:18 AM MST. Happy New Year :-)
I came across this Poem, that I posted in Dec of 2006.
As we start this new year, we do not know what lies ahead.
What we do know is that our personal Lord and Savior is
alive and well, and through HIM, we can lead a VICTORIOUS
life in HIM. Here it is....

I Refuse to be DISCOURAGED,To be sad, or to cry; I refuse to be downhearted,and here's the reason why...I have a God who's mighty, Who's sovereign and supreme; I have a God who loves me, and I am on His team. He is all wise and powerful, Jesus is His name; Though everything is changeable, My God remains the same. My God knows all that's happening; Beginning to the end, His presence is my comfort, He is my dearest friend. When sickness comes to weaken me, To bring my head down low,I call upon my mighty God; Into His arms I go. When circumstances threaten to rob me from my peace; He draws me close unto His breast, Where all my strivings cease. And when my heart melts within me, and weakness takes control; He gathers me into His arms, He soothes my heart and soul. The great "I AM" is with me, My life is in His hand, The "Son of the Lord" is my hope, It's in His strength I stand. I refuse to be defeated, My eyes are on my God; He has promised to be with me, as through this life I trod. I'm looking past all my circumstances, To Heaven's throne above; My prayers have reached the heart of God, I'm resting in His love. I give God thanks in everything, My eyes are on His face; The battle's His, the victory is mine; He'll help me win the race.

2009

It is 1:14 AM MST. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just a few thoughts to share.

Have you reflected on the things in 2008, that may have been a hindrance,
in your walk with the Lord? Have you thought about the things that were
accomplished this past year for the Lord?

This year, 2009, I want to live is such a way as to bring others to know of HIM!

As is customary, tonite, we had a watch nite service. The question was posed to us,
what thoughts do you have for 2008 and what do you desire, or intend to do in 2009?

I want to Praise the Lord, for the trials, the blessings, the failures, the times where I felt
like no matter what I did, it was all WRONG. I want to praise the Lord, for the times of
teaching, the times of correcting and the times to lean on HIM and learn from HIM.

It seems that words cannot begin to describe the JOY I have in my heart, because,
HE IS STILL DEALING WITH ME!

For 2009, I want to be in HIS will, that my lite, that HE has given me, would shine
a little brighter in this dimming world....but even more than that, I want to PRAISE HIM in
ALL THINGS. Praise HIM, for HIS goodness, HIS mercy, HIS long suffering, HIS grace, HIS
LOVE for me. I thank HIM, that HIS love is so tangible and that HE LOVES ME!

I don't know as anyone reads this blog anymore, if there is someone who still reads, remember, HE LOVES YOU, HE died a horrible death for you, and you know what, if you were the only human alive, He would die that horrible death for you! That is how much HE loves you. That is how much HE loves the Father.

We have been given and Example, to model our lives after, that example is, Jesus Christ. These days, it is not very popular to stand for Jesus Christ, but as the boys of the feiry furnace....let me stand for You Jesus, I love you.....blessings to one and all, this New Year.

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.