I am so proud of my family! This is the time of year that we usually gather to plan our Christmas giving: pulling names or setting up an exchange of some sort. This year is different. We are planning a big gift for a needy family, a service project and a possible gift box for a service man serving in Iraq.
Over the next few months we will be having fund raisers, a yard sale, and possibly some crafts to sell. In Colorado we have a connection that will be taking some of the proceeds from the sale of Indiana Jones DVDs to give to our cause. One member of our group has been doing laundry for her daughter for a price. Today the excitement is growing!
Here's a challenge for you: Plan a "Big Gift" of your own! You just may find that in the giving you receive the biggest gift of all! You certainly won't miss not opening a gift if you have the right heart! I guarantee you will have a Blessed Christmas, Happy Holiday and new vision of your neighbor!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Saturday, September 6, 2008
I Do
It is not often now-a-days that couples can celebrate 50 years of being together. It is rare that a man and woman forge a path strewn with thorns, pot holes, stones and ruts and still look at one another with love because they said "I do!"
Today I celebrated with dear friends who will cross that threshold tomorrow. They are a picture of priceless love that was chosen every day and every passing year. No, it has not always been easy. Their story has long been haunted by the debilitating illness of M.S. Through it all they have said "I do" to each other
I do choose you.
I do love you,
I do not give up.
The power in those two words is not that they are said at the begining of the marriage. Their power is in the living and doing. They may be easy to say but they hold a challenge in the living. I believe that in these words lies a golden opportunity. The question is will we as couples step up to the challenge? There is a reward if we do. I challenge you to find that reward!
Today I celebrated with dear friends who will cross that threshold tomorrow. They are a picture of priceless love that was chosen every day and every passing year. No, it has not always been easy. Their story has long been haunted by the debilitating illness of M.S. Through it all they have said "I do" to each other
I do choose you.
I do love you,
I do not give up.
The power in those two words is not that they are said at the begining of the marriage. Their power is in the living and doing. They may be easy to say but they hold a challenge in the living. I believe that in these words lies a golden opportunity. The question is will we as couples step up to the challenge? There is a reward if we do. I challenge you to find that reward!
Friday, September 5, 2008
Beware
This is a warning to anyone who thinks they can cross the legal line and get away with it! No, I have not crossed that line but I know about the consequences from others experiences. I have crossed other lines though and so I too qualify for this message.
When you get caught beware! You will find that your sins will be turned back onto you through the "Justice" system. You will be married to the DOC for your entire sentence and maybe longer! You will be lied to, and conned by those who despise you. Your family will suffer the same treatment even though they have not committed any crime. You can be sure your life will be a living hell, that causes you to become the prey of people who think themselves righteous. It is an ugly life.
In all of this you must also know that if you do not get caught here you will still suffer the consequences. The only hope any sinner has is in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. If you admit you are a sinner and you would like to have the hope He brings, let me know and I'll share some really good news with you!
When you get caught beware! You will find that your sins will be turned back onto you through the "Justice" system. You will be married to the DOC for your entire sentence and maybe longer! You will be lied to, and conned by those who despise you. Your family will suffer the same treatment even though they have not committed any crime. You can be sure your life will be a living hell, that causes you to become the prey of people who think themselves righteous. It is an ugly life.
In all of this you must also know that if you do not get caught here you will still suffer the consequences. The only hope any sinner has is in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. If you admit you are a sinner and you would like to have the hope He brings, let me know and I'll share some really good news with you!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Giving Up
I want to give up. I do not want to make any more plans that fail or have any more dreams that cannot come true. I want to just live my life free from hope that disappoints. Is that even possible?
I may be sounding really down right now and I admit I am. I won't cause you to read any more, just know that I am shutting myself into my prayer closet so I can find the comfort of my loving God.
I may be sounding really down right now and I admit I am. I won't cause you to read any more, just know that I am shutting myself into my prayer closet so I can find the comfort of my loving God.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Confrontation
Confrontation. That is a BIG word but even more so when the one confronting is a mother-in-law. Generally I am not a confronter. I don't like strife and most often I overlook other peoples faults and problems.
Okay, yes, there is a "but" to all of that. As a mother I am also ready to confront when necessary. I do try to do it in a respectful and honest way, but (and there goes that word again) I am not always sure that what I say will be taken in the right way or the spirit it was intended. I also try not to get involved in personal matters. I confront on matters that not only affect my child but the entire family.
So, when I am received incorrectly, how do I back up? I can't. The words are out, the offense has occured. I can only only go forward and assure the offended one that my intentions were pure, and though hurtful, were actually meant to keep our relationship open. Keeping things to ourselves can cause walls to build up and become obstacles in the future.
It is a matter of caring enough to confront the issue that may cause a problem. Again the word "but" comes into play, because we must confront in love and humility knowing that we are not perfect and we cannot judge the other.
Confrontation is complicated but it can also simplify if we do it right!
Okay, yes, there is a "but" to all of that. As a mother I am also ready to confront when necessary. I do try to do it in a respectful and honest way, but (and there goes that word again) I am not always sure that what I say will be taken in the right way or the spirit it was intended. I also try not to get involved in personal matters. I confront on matters that not only affect my child but the entire family.
So, when I am received incorrectly, how do I back up? I can't. The words are out, the offense has occured. I can only only go forward and assure the offended one that my intentions were pure, and though hurtful, were actually meant to keep our relationship open. Keeping things to ourselves can cause walls to build up and become obstacles in the future.
It is a matter of caring enough to confront the issue that may cause a problem. Again the word "but" comes into play, because we must confront in love and humility knowing that we are not perfect and we cannot judge the other.
Confrontation is complicated but it can also simplify if we do it right!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
A War against Faith
There is a battle waging. This battle is being fought against my faith, but I stand on a solid foundation:Jesus Christ!
Today my faith took a great hit. I have been left slightly dazed and stunned at the turn of events, but I know in whom I believe. He is good and He is able! His ways are not my ways, and His thoughts are not my thoughts. Whatever comes I will praise Him. Whatever comes I will give Him glory. I will never deny His goodness or power.
I hold on to the hope of what lies ahead.
Today my faith took a great hit. I have been left slightly dazed and stunned at the turn of events, but I know in whom I believe. He is good and He is able! His ways are not my ways, and His thoughts are not my thoughts. Whatever comes I will praise Him. Whatever comes I will give Him glory. I will never deny His goodness or power.
I hold on to the hope of what lies ahead.
Monday, September 1, 2008
A Graced Labor Day
I watched my two grandaughters put on a water show for Labor Day. Tricks, jumps, and Shamu splashes brought smiles, laughter, and much praise! It was a delightful show!
We, the audience, were not the only ones to be delighted. Paige and Brooke were delighted to be the focus of our attention. They grinned, laughed and tried to think up more tricks to keep us from calling it a day. Their enthusiasm for celebrating every day can sometimes be tiring, but today it was inviting. They brought us into their fun and even allowed us to do our own "tricks."
Memories were made today. Brooke calling out to Marley, the dog as he ran out to the back yard, "You're free!" Paige running over to baby Scott over and over and asking "How is Scott doing?" Uncle Joe and Momma Erin doing cartwheels with the girls. Pappy touching his nose with each finger as his trick. Grommers touching her toes, and the rest bowing out of the games. Being together was a treat for the heart and a lift for our spirits.
Tomorrow promises to be a day of prayer. It will be a day when our faith will be tested. But today was a day of unity and sunshine and blessing. We will be strong tomorrow because we have had our Labor Day graced with the simple faith of children!
Thank you, Lord, for whatever You bring us tomorrow. You are good all the time and we place our hope and trust in You alone!
We, the audience, were not the only ones to be delighted. Paige and Brooke were delighted to be the focus of our attention. They grinned, laughed and tried to think up more tricks to keep us from calling it a day. Their enthusiasm for celebrating every day can sometimes be tiring, but today it was inviting. They brought us into their fun and even allowed us to do our own "tricks."
Memories were made today. Brooke calling out to Marley, the dog as he ran out to the back yard, "You're free!" Paige running over to baby Scott over and over and asking "How is Scott doing?" Uncle Joe and Momma Erin doing cartwheels with the girls. Pappy touching his nose with each finger as his trick. Grommers touching her toes, and the rest bowing out of the games. Being together was a treat for the heart and a lift for our spirits.
Tomorrow promises to be a day of prayer. It will be a day when our faith will be tested. But today was a day of unity and sunshine and blessing. We will be strong tomorrow because we have had our Labor Day graced with the simple faith of children!
Thank you, Lord, for whatever You bring us tomorrow. You are good all the time and we place our hope and trust in You alone!
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