“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.” - John 15:4 NASB
What was your favorite memory of 2007?
News Memory -
Weather Memory -
Family Memory -
Personal Memory -
“The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law.” - Deuteronomy 29:29 NASB
Are you one that likes secrets? Are you good at keeping secrets?
Every year a farmer gives us a portion of a hog. I’m off to butcher the pig.
For 34 years, Herod the Great ruled Judea. He was manipulative and cunning, shrewd and ruthless. He was so well connected with Rome that he felt empowered to do whatever he wanted. His rule was so absolute that he could order anyone to be killed, as he did with all the male children in the Bethlehem region. To escape his influence, Joseph took Mary and the baby Jesus to Egypt, returning only after Herod’s death.
When the Magi arrived in Jerusalem, Herod was approaching the end of his life. Yet he remained passionate about preventing anyone from being a rival or limiting his power.
Before his death, Herod tried to extend his influence beyond the grave, in his Will dividing his kingdom into three parts, each with a different ruler. When he suddenly died, the entire atmosphere changed.
Throughout time, people have tenaciously sought power and prestige, honor and rewards. Once they’ve achieved these perks, many have found it impossible to give them up. Clinging to power, hoarding their wealth instead of being concerned about eternity, they have relentlessly focused on this present world. But the Bible encourages us to remember that life is short, and we should think about eternal things. Moses wrote, “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).
Today, remember the words of Jesus: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away” (Matthew 25:35). Devote your life to things that won’t pass away: His Word and His Kingdom.
Our front lawn before it snowed and before Snowman was assulted.
“Gabriel.”
Just the sound of my King’s voice stirred my heart. I left my post at the entryway and stepped into the throne room. To my left was the desk on which sat the Book of Life. Ahead of me was the throne of Almighty God. I entered the circle of unceasing Light, folded my wings before me to cover my face, and knelt before Him. “Yes, my Lord?”
“You have served the kingdom well. You are a noble messenger. Never have you flinched in duty. Never have you flagged in zeal.”
I bowed my head, basking in the words. “Whatever You ask, I’ll do a thousand times over, my King,” I promised.
“Of that, I have no doubt, dear messenger.” His voice assumed a solemnity I’d never heard Him use. “But your greatest work lies ahead of you. Your next assignment is to carry a gift to Earth. Behold.”
I lifted my eyes to see a necklace–a clear vial on a golden chain–dangling from His extended hand.
My Father spoke earnestly, “Though empty, this vial will soon contain My greatest gift.” …Handing me the necklace, He explained, “This vial will contain the essence of Myself; a Seed to be placed in the womb of a young girl. Her name is Mary. She lives among My chosen people. The fruit of the Seed is the Son of God. Take it to her.”
“But how will I know her?” I asked.
“Don’t worry. You will.”
I could not comprehend God’s plan, but my understanding was not essential. My obedience was. I lowered my head, and He draped the chain around my neck. Amazingly, the vial was no longer empty. It glowed with Light.
“Jesus. Tell her to call My Son Jesus.”
From Max Lucado’s -Angel Story
It’s going to be difficult to do any work today. lol I’m glad tomorrow is my day off.
Merry Christmas
The turkey is in. The dressing and gravy is ready. The buns are rising. The kitchen is clean and dishes done. Everyone is still sleeping, except Noah and baby -shocking. I’ll wake everyone in a little bit and then we’ll open presents.
Christmas Eve was great. We went to my Mom’s. My two brothers and their family were there. I don’t see them too much so that is always a treat. My Grandmother was also there. She’s 95 and kept asking us who we were. I guess at her age she can continually meet new people. lol 
“Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” - Luke 2:10-11 NASB
In his book about Christmas at the Battle of the Bulge during World War II, Stanley Weintrub described activities in the German military hospital at Attorndorn (near Dusseldorf) on Christmas Eve, 1944. Private First Class Bernard Macay of B Company in the American army was in a POW ward on the second floor, with multiple shrapnel wounds. When darkness fell, Macay and the other prisoners heard festivities elsewhere in the hospital.
At first, the sounds made these soldiers homesick. But their mood changed when, to their surprise, a nurse walked into their ward and invited them to join in the celebration. When they joined their German captors, they were asked to sing “Silent Night” in English. The Germans answered by singing “Stille Nacht” in the original German. Then, “together they sang ‘O Tannenbaum,’ and mingled other carols in German and English.” Macay recalled how “the war seemed to have vanished if only for a moment.”
The story of Christmas has the power to soften even the most hardened heart. It’s a story that can unite enemies and remind us of something (and Someone) more important than all the military and economic power of this world.
Josef Mohr, the composer of “Silent Night,” concluded his simple chorus with these words: “With the angels let us sing, alleluia to our King; Christ the Savior is born!” Today, pause to think about the Savior whom we celebrate! He is the King-the King of all nations and races. May men and women everywhere sing alleluia to their King!
Merry Christmas all
There are times in my life that I take inventory. The end of the year is one of those times.
My family – 9
Our Foster Baby – She’s # 46
The kids we bus into the church – 40
The children of the church – (if they all came at the same time) – 120
The number of people in the church (if they all came at the same time) -375
The people I’ve had contact with this past year – in the hundreds
My xanga family -193
The diversity of people in my life. – Native Americans, African Americans, Iraqi, Spanish
The number of times I went through the Bible this past year – 4
The amount of people that come to our house on a regular basis (besides family)- 15
We went to see our adopted daughter Brooke today. We had our Christmas with her.
