Make a difference

Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.  Proverbs 27:17  This scripture points to an important spiritual truth, we help each other as we mature in our faith.  I am excited about how God is using individuals to do His work.  I am so encouraged by my friend's faith and service to the Lord.  In the midst of a very busy day, the Sloan family welcomed me into their home.

Yesterday, I was able to spend a few minutes with a Maureen as she shared about her most recent trip to Niger.  She is a volunteer with Cure International.  Cure International heals children with physical disabilities through expert medical and spiritual care motivated by the love of Jesus Christ. You can visit their web site at the following address http://cure.org/  At their web site,  you will learn about the important work of Cure International.

Maureen is such a godly example of a humble and joyful servant of the Lord.  What impressing me about Maureen?  She is so careful to give all the honor to the Lord.

What about us? While we may not have the opportunity to serve on a short term mission trip, God gives us ways to serve Him. In small and big ways, God gives us  opportunities to make a difference in the lives of individuals.  It is advancing His kingdom.   Where? Maybe it is serving at your church, serving at a local shelter for families...talking to a  cashier at the grocery store...waiting in line at the post office...sitting in the doctor's office...waiting at the airport...praying...or giving a donation to a mission organization.

Pray...don't wait...make a difference.

Maureen and her husband, Paul.
Thank you for your gift of hospitality.

Christmas memories

This morning I gently packed away Christmas tree ornaments.  In one box, I gingerly place each of the angel ornaments. Tiny little angel faces...wooden, fabric, plastic, yarn...In another box,  I place all of the  fragile tree ornaments. In yet another container, I place handmade decorations made by my children.

Over the holidays, I have had the chance to relive fond family memories.  For me, it has been a sweet holiday.  Sadly, for some, not all holidays hold dear memories.  While some memories may not be dear, it is wonderful to know that you are dear to God!  What have you been thinking about this season?   For me, the following verses always  encourage me...
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice.  And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:23

This Avon ornament still plays a song.

Family Traditions

In my childhood home, our Christmas Trees never made it until New Year's Eve. They were out of the house by December 30.   I continue that small tradition in our home.  On Thursday, I plan on packing away our Christmas decorations.  Until then, I am still admiring Christmas trees.  This tree is in our hotel lobby.

Love...love...love...my sister, son, and brother

A sweet visit

  In the middle of the night on Christmas Eve, I overheard a telephone conversation my husband was having with our daughter.  On Christmas morning, our doorbell rang, our daughter and son in law "surprised" us with a visit.  Driving over 12 hours from Omaha, Nebraska, they arrived Christmas morning.  What a wonderful Christmas gift!

 We are blessed with wonderful daughter and son in law!

Enjoying a  simple meal

My twenty something "babies"

Early this morning, they begin the drive back to Nebraska.

Reading it again for the first time

Each time we read God's word we can anticipate fresh insight.  No matter how many times  we have read a passage of scripture, when we open God's word we benefit from timeless truths recorded in scripture.  Approaching God's word with prayer and humility offers us new opportunities to have an encounter that will change how we live.  My pastor often uses the phrase, look again at this passage for the first time.  Do I look at some familar passages with the same reverance as the first time that I read them?

In Sunday School,  I taught from a passage that is only recorded in one of the four gospels, The Visit of the Magi, recorded in Matthew 2.  The lesson was appropriate as we continue to bask in the celebration of the birth of Jesus.  The Visit of the Magi is recorded in Matthew Chapter 2.  Read it again for the first time.

Source of True Hope

"The star of Bethlehem that was a star of hope that led the wise men to the fulfillment of their expectations, the success of their expedition.  Nothing in this world is more fundamental for success in life than hope, and this star pointed to our only source of true hope: Jesus Christ." 

D. James Kennedy

Grace Church of the Island's Christmas Tree in Savannah, GA 

Christmas Tree outside the Pink House Gallery in S.C. 

Christmas Tree in High Cotton a business in Beaufort, SC

Cookie Exchange

What do you think about cookie exchanges?  Exactly how do they work?  The basic idea of a cookie exchange is that each participant to make and exchange homemade cookies. Depending on the number of the participants will determine the number of cookies that each person brings.  This year I was able to participate in my first Christmas cookie exchange .  This past Sunday afternoon, I spend the entire afternoon measuring, stirring, and dropping over 3 dozen homemade cookies.
Our hostess provided some tasty refreshments.    She shared some very simple rules:
1. Cookies must be homemade.  No cut and bake...
2.  Cookies must be baked.
3.  Bring your cookie recipe to share.
Cookies this year, gingerbread, pumpkin spice, white chocolate chip cookies, chocolate cream cheese cookies, and more...
My contribution, I made glutton free almond cookies.
The afternoon should have been described cookies and chat....  we talked about organic recipes, cooking classes, and our families.

Wonderful Winter Wednesday

Christmas Carols

Ladies Lunch @ Holly Hill Inn

The birthday lady is on the left

According to one online dictionary, the word carol is described as a song of praise or joy, especially for Christmas.  Two of my friends perfectly fit that description, they are full of joy.  This afternoon, we had the opportunity to celebrate a friend's birthday at Holly Hill Inn.  It was a lovely afternoon filled with laughter and yummy food.  

Carol, Carol, and Becky

Celebrating His birthday

Yesterday in Sunday School, we celebrated the birth of Jesus. Every week before the children arrive, we pray.  We cannot share spiritual truths by our efforts, we pray for God to enable us to impart His truth.    As a part of each week's lesson, the children listen to a Bible story. This week, the children listened to the biblical account of the birth of Jesus.

"For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government 
and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign  on David's throne
and over his kingdom
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time and on and forever.
The zeal of the Almighty 
will accomplish this.
Isaiah 9: 6-7

Our birthday celebration was in sharp contrast to the birth of Jesus. As we read the account of His birth... poor and humble... Jesus born in a manager.

Snow and Ice

5 God's voice thunders in marvelous ways;

he does great things beyond our understanding.

6 He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth,'

and to the rain shower, 'Be a mighty downpour.'

10 The breath of God produces ice,

and the broad waters become frozen.

11 He loads the clouds with moisture;

he scatters his lighting through them.

12 At his direction they swirl around 

over the face of the whole earth

to do whatever he commands them.

Job 37 (NIV)

Welcome Home

Waiting at the airport... anticipation...excitement...

Jonathan arriving home for a visit!

Jobs

On Thursday, I navigated the icy streets to attend a party.  It is the annual Christmas party for the  civic organization of which I am a member. Dinner conversation flowed from the weather, children, parents, and the holiday preparation.  For one awkward moment, I talked about my job and my job  search.

There were well over 40  people in attendance at the party.  Of the number of people in attendance at the party, there may have been at least 4 people who were unemployed or underemployed.  That is figure is based on the fact that according to the U. S. Department of Labor with the nation's unemployment  rate is 9.5 percent.

I am a part of many individuals in our nation who are looking work.  As I update my resume, I am prayerful about the next step in my life.  As you celebrate this season remember people in your church or neighborhood who may be looking for work.   Remember to be grateful the blessings you already have... friends and family.

Friends at the party

Love that sweater!

Love that tie!

Baby it is cold outside...

What does love provide?

After a break, our small group met last night.  We are such an interesting group ...a math professor at a local university, homemakers, volunteers, managers, and a retired military officer. We are growing as a group.

"We grow and become partners in meaningful relationships, not by forging a mold into which others must fit but by the freedom our love provides." 

Maxie Dunnam

A right view of love is shaped by a biblical view of love.  If our view of love is shaped by movies or popular music, we will have a perverted view of unconditional love. 

Jodi & Russell...we took time to celebrate Russell's birthday

Making or giving handmade gifts

This summer, I decided to make all of my Christmas gifts. Each  of my handmade gifts has to serve a practical purpose; a hooked rug, a quilted pillow stop, a scrapbook with special photos, or coasters. Why coasters?  This summer, I broke a beautiful metallic blue mug.  Broken and jagged pieces from my mug will be transformed into a coaster.  I like the idea of making new gifts from found objects.

Will you give  gifts this year?  If so, consider giving gifts from Global Fair Gifts and Crafts.  Free Trade Gifts and Crafts offers opportunities  for craftspeople from developing countries  to sell their crafts and improve their lives.

Visiting a local store, I recently purchased a Nativity scene made in Bolivia from Jacaranda seeds.  It measures 2.5 " by 3.5".  Here is the close up view.

The same scene is sitting to the right of the larger Nativity  scene. This scene is pretty small.

Palmetto Trees & Peanut Butter Pie

Planning a vacation in 2011?  Consider historic Beaufort South Carolina, Beaufort is located between Charleston and Savannah. Beaufort will host their Tricentennial 1711 ~ 2011 celebration next year . Last Wednesday, we enjoyed lunch and window shopping in Beaufort.


Traveling home Saturday, we stopped to visit our friends, Dama and Gus in Newnan, Georgia.  Dinner at the "Best Hole in the Wall"... Hunter's Pub in Hamilton, GA.  Peanut Butter pie... good.... visiting with Dama and Gus... the best...

Wavering faith?

Waiting by the elevator,  I hear the ocean waves in the distance.  Walking on the beach, I savor all of wonders that are not a part of my everyday life. Our week's visit is ending, we will return to the familiar landscape of our lives.   My prayer is to see and appreciate with fresh eyes the beauty of God's creation at home.   I plan on turning off the distractions, chatter and noise of the world... namely t.v.

"If we feel that our faith is weak and wavering, the antidote is not to turn inward and try to generate more faith from ourselves.  Faith is not like toothpaste in a tube just waiting to be squeezed out.  The answer is to contemplate more closely what kind of trustworthy and sufficient Savior we have in Jesus."
Graeme Goldsworthy

Good News

"The Good News of the gospel of grace cries out: 

we are all, equally, privileged but unentitled beggars at the door of God's mercy!"

Brennan Manning 

Sunset ~ December 7,  2010

Sacrifice or blessing

Sacrifice or blessing...Attending a Bible Study on Monday evening is not a sacrifice, it is a blessing. Visiting a class in Georgia, I sit in a very comfortable church. In contrast to my experience, hundreds of people make enormous sacrifices to attend church services and Bible Studies.

Individuals attending Bible Study Fellowship classes in many parts of the world overcome many obstacles to study God's word.  In comparison to others around the world, Christians in America suffer very little.

In particular, Christians in Iraq are suffering greatly.  Recently, Christians in Iraq were attending a Sunday evening mass where 58 people were killed.  Visit the Voice of the Martyrs to learn more about suffering Christians in Iraq and other countries.  
"...pray that God will strengthen the faith of Iraq's beleagured Christians and enable them to perserve in the face of great danger. "  quote from Voice of the Martyrs Web

A sweet invitation

Snowy Saturday

Leaving Lexington early Saturday morning...

Driving in Rockcastle County, Fear is gripping me... my stomach is in knots... Bible on my lap, I am praying. We are driving on slick, snow covered roads in the hills of Kentucky.  Once we past London, KY, I am thank God the snow turns to rain.  We stop at Cracker Barrel for breakfast.

Christmas Cactus

My Christmas Cactus is blooming!  This little cactus survived with very little attention this summer.  

 Few plants thrive with neglect, thankfully, this plant did well.  How do you maintain a vibrant and close relationship with friends, family, and most importantly God?  

  

Thankful and humble

Remembering Thanksgiving 2010

The blessing of family

My beautiful nieces

My sister and cousin

My great niece

My brother

Scrabbled eggs... free breakfast!  Thanks brother!

  I am so thankful.  Humbled by the gracious gifts from God. 

This morning in Sunday School,  I was again humbled... serving 3 and 4 year old children...a joy to serve..Thanking God for the opportunity to serve.