Endings and Beginnings

Who can believe that it is the very last day of the year!?!?!!?

I do remember many things that took place or happened in 2007, however, the rest of the year was a blur! What was I doing--what was I thinking? 365 days ---gone!

I do know many memorable things ---meeting my daughter in law and her family, MADDY GETTING SAVED AND ME CRYING SO HARD I COULD NOT SPEAK TO HER, a new granddaughter, camp and staying in the mountains with friends, son #2 getting married, a few weeks taking care of my Mother, sister and BIL, antiquing, learning to paint (craft type painting---), home renovations (cropping up out of disaster and three weeks of NO A/C in Florida)...a wedding of a dear friend,cleaning and painting for a visit with son#2 and DIL, and a great big family issue in there with the econlmy and building trade screeching slowly ...

All this made for an interesting year. Today, the girls and I had lunch in a small town and went to a couple of antique shops---good times. I also learned today that a dear Christian older lady who was the epitome of a Southern Belle ---graceful and stately....passed away. Her husband, amidst his health problems cared for her --she says he spoiled her. I am sure he now will be praying to go home. She was 91....a precious child safe and no longer suffering in her Father's arms---my family is blessed to know her!!

Now, for a new year---I pray my walk with the Lord is deepended each day, that my family seeks the Lord and to love and serve Him with their hearts, that I may be effective for Christ, and able to serve Him, and that above all we are true examples fo what Christ is!And last but not least, ever mindful of God's grace in my life.

May I be found faithful!

Blessings to you in 2008!!

Ordinary??

You know, we each have an identity. That is who we are, and how others know us to be......most of us have a few unknown things about us, but as a whole and as Christians, we are identifiable!

Yesterday, we reflected on the birth of a King. Jesus Christ. King of the Jews.

A newborn baby.....

His mother was a virgin, and probably rejected and ridiculed. Pregnant sixteen year olds in that time was a thing of dishonor. Nowadays, it is accepted and publicized,not hidden, and almost a badge of honor. Joseph, her fiancee, was concerned---about his relationship with her and what others might say. He considered "hiding" her to overcome the comments and people. But even as young as they were, they chose to listen, believe and obey the message of the angels!!

Herod hated this baby that was "spoken about". He was the self proclaimed KING of the Jews!!
Thus his desire to kill the babies to get the right one!!

You see, Christ's life here was not any easy one---even those who knew Him rejected Him as who He was---the Saviour. He had siblings ---no doubt they were not all loving and kind nor believed Him. He was hated, rejected, abused, and unwanted by those He came to seek and to lead to salvation. His chosen ones, the disciples also were unbelieving to Him at times, and even did not choose to obey Him. He died a public humiliating death because of ME!!

But, He chose me.......

And His grace and mercy are alive in me. His death gave me eternal life ---and HOPE.

A sweet baby, held in His mother's arms....with all the needs of any other human newborn, infant, boy and man...suffering the same as you and I with friends, family, work, ministry,and life.

YET, so very different.

Eve of Chistmas

We were at a friend's home yesterday and she always does such fun things to make any occasion fun. She asked us adults (6) including her husband what one special memorable Christmas we had. It was neat ---some childhood, some aduly memories.. What Fun !!

My Challenge to you---post a memorable Christmas anecdote on your blog. but let us know!! (like we won't check daily!!???)

Well, I am going to wrap some gifts today and bake some.....tomorrow we will go to #1's home for an early dinner.....he is cooking. I am supplementing! #2 and DIL are here....we are having a great time!! We had family pics on Saturday. Then, we went to Build a Bear....yep, the MALL (scary music)!!Yep, in and out of the mall in thirty minutes (three stores)!! But, aside from fun todya, we are just enjoying each other's company......DH and #2 and #3 may go to the mall (DH says it is tradition!!LOL)---


So, as you reflect on our Saviour's birth and the reason he had to come ---OUR SIN---have a thankful heart that you are His chosen child!! And, reflect on the specialness of His presence in your life and the blessings that relationship brings!!


TO YOU AND YOURS--

A MOST BLESSED CHRISTMAS!!

Faithfulness

Are you faithful to which you have been called? I do not mean busy in the church, but just being a wife, Mom, sister, or friend??? And are you there fulfilling that position, even if you are too busy or you feel it does not need you or that you don't want to be bothered???

In the middle of the night (4:00 AM), these word rang in my head and heart:

Great is Thy faithfulness
O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not thy compassions they fail not.
As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.
Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning, new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness
Lord unto me.


Will the Lord find us faithful? Aren't you glad He is always faithful, no matter how bad we feel or mess up or what IS going on around us????