My Christmas

I have really been a bad blog friend lately. With working, shopping and family gatherings I have neglected my blog. Since I am off tomorrow I will be catching up on reading all your post tonight. I can't wait to see what all I have missed. Here are just a few pictures of our Christmas:Kaylin and Eli finding their Santa gifts at my house Christmas morning.

Kaylin and Kerrie Christmas Eve at Kerrie's.
Eli and Jeff, I'm not sure which one liked the work bench and tools better??

Well, I'm off to read all about you now!

The Wise Men Visit Jesus-Part 2

A military escort would undoubtedly have met his sizable caravan of visitors at the outskirts of the city and brought them to Herod. Herod was extremely paranoid about losing his position and authority. As rumors fly, he is fearful that the birth of a baby said to be the long awaited king is a direct threat to him. His inquiries about the baby's location are thinly disguised attempts to launch a concerted campaign to kill the baby Jesus just as he had done with several wives and sons whom he believed threatened his throne.

The trip from Babylon to Jerusalem and on to Bethlehem, some 1700 miles could have taken several months. A day's travel in antiquity would have been about 17 miles. When Herod calculates the age of the Child based on the time when the Magi first saw the star, he orders the death of every male child 2 years old.

Two warnings from God find their mark: The Magi are warned to return home by an alternate route than the one first planned, and Joseph is warned in a dream to flee to Egypt and stay there until the death of Herod.

Two teenagers and a new born infant are forced to flee to a strange land without the means to support their family. Was the gold brought to them by the Magi simply a happy coincidence or was an all knowing God aware 600 years prior, a financial need would be critical for the young couple as they fled abroad?

The Magi bring gifts for the Christ Child. Gold signifying royalty (the means for Mary, Joseph, and Jesus' flight to Egypt. They stayed up to two years until Herod's death). Frankincense signifying deity. Myrrh signifying death (used myrrh for embalming). (From:When the Good News Gets Even Better)

Hope you all have had a very Merry Christmas. I was going to post a Thursday Thankful when I remembered I had not posted part 2 of the wise men. For some reason I just felt this was the thing to do. Not that I don't have a million things to be thankful for - I do. I'm trying to follow my heart a little more than my head (for me those two fight all the time). Well, the heart won tonight.

What's on my tree Wednesday

It's 11:26pm therefore it's still Wednesday..... I'm a little late posting about my tree but it's better late than not at all. I don't know about you guys but I've been running around like a crazy person ( yes, even more crazy than usual). I love me some Holiday's but I'm missing my blog friends. Well, let's visit the ole tree now: I brought this back from Disney during the 25th anniversary trip. My little helper Kaylin is holding it for me.
This angel was made by my friend Lanelle. Is she not precious?
These are just a few of my other tree angels.

This is from our trip to Nashville two years ago. We went to see the pretty little dancers, Ice (it's really cool - no really really cold) and stayed at the Opryland Hotel. If you have not treated yourself to a night there save your money and spend at least one night. It is really beautiful at Christmas.Well my friends that's about all I can show tonight. I'm hoping you all have the best Christmas ever! God Bless!

Catch Up

It has been three days since my last post so I thought I would catch you up:
Friday-My sweet generous boss surprised us by giving us $250.00 each and sent us shopping. The twist was that we were to spend it on another employee. He gave us each a name and paired us in a group of two. We were to all meet him and his sweet family at 6:00 to eat Mexican (my favorite) and give our gifts. We all did a great job picking out the right presents. Everyone loved what they received, the food was great, and on top of that he gave each of us a Starbucks gift card (also my favorite) and a bonus check. What a blessing he is!
Saturday-Shop, shop, and shop. Visit with my parents. The bad part of the day was that my friend Lilah's father passed away. She just lost her mother three weeks and one day ago.
Sunday-Christmas with Bob's family.
Monday-Work - we are two girls short. Mandy and I had a pretty good day still. Patients were all kind and phones were not that bad. Sweet boss picked up and payed for our lunch. It's our late day so it's about 7:30 now and I'm getting ready to leave. Not sure how well I'll post this week since we will be short handed tomorrow as well. Until next time, God bless!

Thursday Thankfuls 12/18

Today I am so very thankful for my wonderful friends. Old, new and those yet to come! I'm not sure how well you can see this, under my tree there is a gift with a gold bow on top. My friend Lanelle (Granny Nelle to Kaylin and Eli) made this for me. It is clear and filled with Christmas lights. It looks like a shinny present under my tree just for me! It really is beautiful, the picture just does not do justice.

I love and need all my friends and have hopes of meeting even more! God Bless you my FRIENDS!

What's on my tree Wednesday

It's that time of the week for some of my favorite ornament pictures so here goes.....I love ornaments made by my baby girl (she is 27 and still my baby). Kaylin made this one for me. It won't be long until little Eli will be old enough to make one.Another favorite are the pictures of my grand-children. I have one for their Christmas pictures from every year. These are just a few. (If you look right above you can also see a little of another one of my Elvis ornaments)

Hope you have enjoyed this tour. Visit again next Wednesday for the final show of more ornaments. Until then, God Bless!

And the Award goes to...

My sweet friend Lorie was kind enough to pass the award to me.
The meaning of this award... This blog invests and believes in the PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships! These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.
The 8 I’d like to give it to are:
Katie (This crazy life)
Amanda (Clay in his hands)
Amy ( The greatest joy I've ever Known is loving you)
Rebecca (China Baby) (Sorry Rebecca, I know how much you love these)
Jill (forever n ever n always)
Sandy Toes (Shell in your pocket)
Jennifer (My life with four kids)
Leah (These are the days of our lives)

Please visit these beautiful ladies, you will be glad you did!

The Wise Men Visit Jesus-Part 1

In Babylon, some astrologers (Magi) see a hovering star. Who were these people and why would they travel 1,700 miles to pay homage to a Jewish baby? There are many myths surrounding the Magi. They were not Kings. They were astrologers, men of wisdom who were well versed in medicine and natural science. They served as advisers to the king not unlike a presidential special council would do today. The fact that there were three gifts brought to Jesus has led us to generally accept the notion that there were three wise men. In fact, some scholars speculate that several hundred may have traveled in the caravan. People were safer traveling in large groups and never traveled at night, as robbers and thieves were abundant. What would cause them to leave home and family and make a journey of this magnitude? How did they know to follow the star and where it would lead? The answer is found in the Old Testament.

The role of Daniel: One night the king had a dream that caused him great distress. He called together his advisers who were astrologers (wise men) and demanded that they interpret his dream. But the king was smart. He also demanded that they tell him what the dream was about so that he would not be tricked with a false answer. If these wise counselors could not deliver, they were to be killed. One night God speaks to Daniel a vision concerning the dream. He tells the king both the content and meaning of the dream. Daniels action saves all of the astrologers from death and he becomes a kind of folk hero among generations of grateful "wise men" and their families. Because of their admiration for Daniel and because most of the book of Daniel was written in Aramaic (the common language of Babylon). The wise men would have been able to calculate the number of years until the star would indicate the coming of the Messiah. So these people, because of their gratitude to Daniel for saving their ancestors and their deep interest in his writings, would have spent much time looking into the skies as the appointed time approaches. (From:When The Good News Gets Even Better)

The Birth Announcement To The Shepherds-Part 2

Many scholars believe that the "cloths" were actually burial cloths used for wrapping the body of the deceased in preparation for burial. The uniqueness of the sign would have been the burial cloths, not the manger. In those days there were no Inns as we know them today. Many homes were built over caves where the animals stayed under the house at night and during bad weather. The house was called a Kataluma, which would have contained one or two guest rooms. Apparently, the guest rooms were occupied, so the owner allowed Mary and Joseph to stay in the cave under the house. The angel goes on to say, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those with whom he is pleased (or finds favor)."
Even as one who loves and walks with Christ, our tendency is to always see ourselves through the avenue of what we do or don't do. "I'm a doctor, I'm a teacher, I'm a banker." None of these define who we are, they simply tell how we earn a living. When asked if God is please with you, most have been trained to immediately think of what we have done lately. "I've had lustful thoughts, I lied to my spouse, I haven't had a quiet time this week, etc." We think of our behavior, but that was not the question. Is God pleased with you....your person, the heart and essence of who you are from God's point of view?
From the moment we receive Christ into our lives, this is our identify before God. He never defines us by our behavior, but sees us just as we were the day we were completely cleansed by His blood. God always sees you as a holy, blameless, forgiven saint, regardless of how awful your behavior my be or have been. Does behavior matter? You bet it does! Sin is serious business to God. He hates sin our independence, disobedience, and rotten behavior, but He is never displeased with who we are. It's true that we were sinners before we met Christ and we were also saved by grace, but as a new creation we no longer can be defined as a sinner even though we still sin. Why? Because that is what you do, not who you are. Who you are is a saint that sometimes messes up. To see yourself as a saint is more humble because it has nothing to do with anything you achieved or earned. You didn't make yourself a saint or even come up with the title. God did!
Why is understanding what the angel said to the shepherds so critical? If you do not believe that God is pleased with you as a person, you will spend the rest of your life trying to make yourself pleasing to Him. There are not enough verses you can memorize, Bible studies you can attend, or sins that you can avoid for you to ever feel deserving of God's favor. You will become disillusioned, cynical, and dissatisfied with everything about your life and will never understand or experience peace. How can a believer be at peace if he or she can't ever do enough to achieve God's favor. It's impossible!
The Glory of God returned to earth as the shepherds stood in awe. During His time on earth, the Glory resided in Jesus Christ. When he ascended into heaven the Glory of God left with Him, but the Glory later returned at Pentecost (Acts 2). Where does the Glory of God now dwell? In you(Col. 1:27). If the glory of God is now present in the life of the believer, how can we ever again think of ourselves as worthless? (From: When the Good News Get Even Better)

The Birth Announcement To The Shepherds-Part 1

After telling us where the shepherds were and what they are doing, Luke says that "an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the Glory of God shone around them; and they were terribly frightened." Have you ever considered what the Glory of God was? Was it just an extremely bright light and some sort of mystical presence? The Old Testament really makes this passage come alive.
The Glory of God had not been seen by anyone on the earth in almost 600 years. During the wanderings of Israel in the wilderness it always disclosed itself as a cloud by day to shelter the Hebrews from the sun, and fire by night to keep them warm. The "Glory" had last been seen by Ezekiel in a vision as he is held captive in Babylon. Solomon's Temple, where the "Glory" was then residing, was burned to the ground by the Babylonians in 586 BC. God allows Ezekiel to see the "Glory" depart from the Temple, move to the threshold of the Temple, then move to the Eastern gate of the city, then hover over the Mount of Olives, and go back to heaven. The Glory of God had not been seen by any human being for almost 600 years. Is it any wonder that the shepherds were so frightened?
Shepherds made up the bottom rung of the social ladder. They were considered untrustworthy and their testimony was not valid in a court of law. How interesting that God chose these men to be the first Jews to see the Messiah. Why would anyone try to fabricate something like this?
After telling the shepherds the amazing news of the Savior's birth, the angel gives them what sign which will help them identify the baby?
That He would be laying in a manger and that He would be wrapped in cloths.
(From: When the Good News Gets Even Better)

Thankful Thursday 12/11

Today I am so very thankful for my little man Eli (Hey, I have to do something special for him. After all, I did leave him off my ornament post yesterday). Have I told you how sweet and loving he is? When I walk through the door he greets me with a hug and most of the time says " I wanta hose you" which of course means he wants me to hold him (just in case you don't know two year old language). The best Nanny in the world (me) bought him a new bed for my house... want to see it? Okay, here it is...

He loves it, I miss him snuggling up with me.... he stayed with me last night and I was kind of glad when he woke up during the night and came to my bed....I got to snuggle with him then. Be safe and God Bless you all!

What's on my tree Wednesday 12/10

I borrowed this thought from my friend Katie. If you don't visit her already please go on over there and see what's on her tree. Now every tree should have at least one Alabama ornament. I have several however, this one is special because Connie gave it to me.The little sleeping baby is the first ornament I bought after I had Kerrie in 1981. It has her name and date of birth on the bottom. The little boot just below is the first one for Kaylin. Kerrie just called and ask why I did not show Eli's first ornament. I really only meant to show Kerrie's it just happen that Kaylin's was right under hers so I thought I'd mention it. It's not that I love one more than the other (she was just giving me a hard time). You will see next week what I started doing after my little man came along.
Another thing every tree should have is an Elvis ornament. I also have several of those (you might be a red neck if....). If you don't happen to own one you really should visit Graceland at Christmas time and pick yourself up a gift.

Please visit next Wednesday and we will see what else I can find on my tree.

Today is my momma's birthday - Happy Birthday Momma! I love you!!!

The Birth Of Jesus

It would have been a painful time for Mary and Joseph after she returns from her 3 month visit with Elizabeth. Joseph is confused and believes he should end the engagement quietly until an angel intercedes and explains that the Holy Spirit had planted the seed in her womb and that she will bear a son named Immanuel (God with us). As descendants of David, Joseph and Mary were required to return to Bethlehem. Since Mary was also of the House of David, she too, was probably required to enroll. In Syria, the Roman Province in which the Holy Land was located, girls 12 years and over were required to pay a poll tax. When viewed from a human perspective, the couple came to Bethlehem because it was required by the law. From the divine perspective, however, God was acting providentially to bring them to the place where Micah had prophesied that the Messiah would be born. (From:When The Good News Gets Even Better)

My Gifts

I love this time of year, actually I love from Thanksgiving Day through December. The Christmas music has started, the lights are up, and the tree is decorated. I even have a few wrapped gifts underneath. Kerrie and I took the kids for Christmas pictures so of course I need to show them off. Here is my sweet little Kaylin:

My handsome little man Eli:

And both my little sweeties together:

Merry Merry Christmas to all of you and may God Bless you and yours.

John

Eight days after John's birth, according to Jewish law, he was taken to the Temple to be circumcised and dedicated. It was Jewish custom for the father to name the child after a relative, living or dead. Finally, after nine months, Zacharias speech returns to him and he firmly says that the child's name shall be John, although no relative on either side of the family bore that name. The name "John means "Grace" indicating that God is now planning to do a whole new thing. From now on, God's faithful will no longer follow Him out of duty and obligation, but our of desire, which is the essence of grace. On a 1-10 scale, how much of your spiritual walk is out of obligation_______? John will spend much of his life in the wilderness preparing for his great calling. Though obviously instructed by godly parents, they were very old by the time of his bar mitzvah at age 13. Luke says he lived in the wilderness until he began his ministry at age 30. Why? Probably to be kept apart from the erroneous teaching of Pharisaic Judaism. There, in the wilderness, he was probably being privately instructed by God in a similar manner as Jesus. John will not merely be a forerunner, but he will have the office of a prophet. The Hebrew word for prophet is "Navi", and it signifies a spokesman, or one who speaks for a divine power to human beings. The idea of prophecy is based on a belief in a God on whom the destiny and the well being of man depends. (From: When the Good News Gets even Better)

Thursday Thankfuls 12/04

My sweet niece Amanda tagged me with a "Gratitude Tag". The rules, list 10 things you are thankful for. Since it goes with my normal Thursday Thankfuls I thought I would respond today. Here goes in no order except for number 1:


1. I am thankful for God's unbelievable love for me and you. That He gave His precious life so that our sins would be forgiven. All we have to do is ask.


2. I am thankful for my friends. Off line and on. There are people in this world that are alone with no earthly person in their life.


3. I am thankful for my job. With all the closings and lay offs there are many without work.


4. I am thankful for my home. There are many that sleep under bridges or any place they can find, with no permanent place of their own.


5. I am thankful for my health. I can see my beautiful grand children, hold them in my arms, smell their sweet scent and walk and talk with them.


6. I am thankful for each day I wake up and get another chance.


7. I am thankful for my family. Though some have gone on to be with our Lord, the memories are still with me.


8. I am thankful for memories. Old ones and new ones still coming.

9. I am thankful for forgiveness. I have to remind myself at times that I need to let go of hurt feelings and forgive so that I can be forgiven.

10. I am thankful for hugs. Can't you just feel that big ole bear hug from someone? I tell my sweet Kaylin every morning as she gets out of the car at school "feel God's hug then feel mine today". The few days I may not say it she now says "I'll feel your hug today and God's".



Okay I could go on and on. I'll save some for my future Thursday's. I won't tag anyone however, if you feel like sharing just go right ahead and blog it. God bless you all.

Mary Visits Elizabeth

Six months after his appearance to Zacharias, the angel Gabriel tells a young Jewish virgin, presently engaged to a man named Joseph, that she is pregnant with the long awaited Messiah. It is interesting to contrast the reaction of Zacharias, an elderly man and religious leader, and Mary, a 14-16 year old teenager when they are both confronted with Gabriel's news. Mary questions the angel, as does Zacharias. However, there was an obvious difference in that Zacharias was punished by losing his speech until the birth of his son and Mary was not. Zacharias wanted proof, Mary trusted. Stand in Mary's sandals: you are a young teenage girl. In the months to come, your condition will become obvious public knowledge. You must learn a new level of trust that God will protect you in at least three basis relationships. You will have to entrust yourself to God for your relationship with your fiance. You will have to trust God to protect you from slander within your community. You will have to trust God for your personal safety. Mary visits her cousin, Elizabeth, now six months pregnant. As Mary arrives John jumps within Elizabeth's womb at the presence of the unborn Savior within Mary's womb. She stays with Elizabeth almost three months until just prior to John's birth. (From:When the Good News Gets even Better)

The Jewish Mind

The Angel Gabriel is highly regarded in Jewish theology as a messenger from God. For Gabriel to be sent specifically to Zacharias implies that he was major topic of discussion in the "board room" in heaven, an incredible honor for him. Throughout the gospels, we will observe in the Jewish mind, a cause and effect mentality. Consider the fact that Elizabeth is childless. Her barrenness would have been considered a great shame in the first century Jewish culture. This cause and effect mentality would foster the natural assumption that she and her husband has secretly sinned against God and were paying the price. Imagine being saddled with this kind of guilt all of your life. Consider for a moment what God is doing here. This faithful couple painfully accepted their plight of childlessness. At the point where that had finally given up the dream of having children, God comes through against all odds. What does this say to you about learning to give up? We are taught always to persevere and to persist, however, it is often when we finally give up our desires and dreams that God comes through in miraculous ways. (From:When the God News Gets Even Better)

Catch Up

Where has the time gone? My last blog was almost a week old - shame on me! Let me catch you up really fast:
Thursday-Went to my moma's for Thanksgiving. It was kind of lonely since Kerrie, Jeff and Eli went to visit his grandparents. That's the bad part of having a small family. My brother did not come (long story and trust me you don't want to get me started). It was just my parents, me, Bob and Kaylin (she wanted to stay here and go shopping with me instead of going with Kerrie - can you say bribe?). It was still a very nice day and the food was yummy. Sweet Ashley made the best pies for me to take, they were a hit with everyone.
Friday-Yes...I'm one of the crazy people out shopping. Kaylin and I pulled into the parking lot at 5am (I woke up late or we would have been earlier). We stayed until 3pm and made several trips to the car. I was smart enough to take Eli's stroller and use it to hold my packages. One of my friends Lanelle caught up with us about 9am so we had a really great time. Kaylin and I decorated my tree after we got home.
Saturday-Connie and I did a little more shopping.
Sunday-One of my friends moma passed away Friday evening so I went to the visitation at 5pm.
Monday- well that's today so I guess you know what I'm doing now. Getting ready to read your blogs and catch up with you! Until tomorrow - God Bless you all.