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The Cantata was wonderful.  Such beautiful voices and solos.  And the Chime Choir is awesome.  And then the candlelight ceremony.  Breathtaking.

Kitty and I had a great time.  I wish everyone could see her house.  Every room has a tree...even some of the bathrooms...she has 5 bathrooms.  Decorations everywhere!  Mine looks like Bah Humbug after seeing hers! 

Time for beddy-bye!  Better go vote first though.

Don't forget to vote!!

Wonderful devotional, Etta Sue.  I have often thought about how Lazarus emerged from that tomb "bound hand and feet with graveclothes."  Did he hop?  Did he shuffle by inches?  Or did the power of God just pop him out and stand him there in front of all those amazed people??  God is so awesome, and the ways He chooses to do things are never what we might expect!  Well, maybe I should say often not.

Our cantata went really well!  The congregation seemed to really enjoy it, and the church was full.  Our daughter Diane, husband Jeff and granddaughter Abby came, and we ducked out afterward (they were having sandwiches and cookies at the church) because Jeff wanted to eat at the Taste of China instead.  Then they came to our house and visited for a while, and we called both Curtis and Mark while they were here---or, rather, Jeff called them.  The boys will be home next weekend for Christmas break.

Time to hit the hay, so goodnight, all!

Thanks Etta Sue...

I'm so happy that your cantatas went off well.  May the Lord be praised.

Here's one I'm not familiar with but seems so nice...



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Our Christmas Choir program is this friday and saturday. The dress rehersal is on tuesday. I have never felt so unprepared. Because of the 12 hour shifts I'm on I miss choir every other week, and I have missed the last two practices because I have been ill.

Oh, my Smokey.  You're going to have to do a lot of singing in the shower to practice! 

Good Morning All,


Etta Sue that is a beautiful devotional. I have often wondered how Lazarus felt when he came out all wrapped up like that.

So glad to hear that everyone's Cantata's are going well, we have never had one that I remember.

Pat that is a beautiful song, I've never heard it before. Couldn't seem to make the words fit the music though. I'm an alto but don't have time to sing in the choir any more.

Smokey hope you get it all down before the big night, you'll be fine. What part do you sing?

I hope everyone else has a blessed and God-filled day. I will try to check in later when more of you are up. It's lonely in here at this hour.   But I have God so it's not bad.

Trusting
<><Jeannine

TWO weeks to Christmas!

Everyone seems to be DIEING to get my poem Heaven read out for them!

I will not reply to everyone indeevid...indivedu...er...one at a time! I have read all your posts. What busy lives you all lead. God bless.

Thanks Etta Sue, for the great devotional.

And now, at 10pm, Japan Standard Time, I am thinking about our warm bed and wondering what Colin is up to.

I took a lot of pictures today, prior to and as the sun rose.  And then I drove to the country with my wife and her mother to get some mustard greens.  Yummy.  While there I snapped a picture or two of the countryside.

Keep checking the gallery for a post from me.

In His Grip,
Kevin

PS...I don't have access to the shout box for some reason, so if you shout, please know that I am not ignoring you.  I can read what you are yelling, I just can't respond.  Really!  Ask Pat...tell them Pat

Pat: Thanks for the Brightest & Best song. 

Am slowly waking - I take a nighttime cough syrup & do sleep'

Larry I read the Seattle article about Christmas trees being taken down at the airport.  Even though the trees are considered secular, anything Christmas has to be forbidden.  Also read that people are not buying Merry Christmas cards.  I see the Salvation Army has bell ringers at WalMart, Kmart but not Target. 

Saw only the headlines on an article about Meals for Wheels in trouble & it is probably because of the change in gas prices this year.  Lots of people losing jobs so it has to be worrisome - we can all pray for all those concerned.

Carol

Hi Everyone...

I'm off for a sleepover.  Packing my jammies in a bag and I'm headed off to Janice's for the night.  She's invited Geordie too.

Happy Monday!!    I went and worked out, then Darrel and I went out to Pioneer Electric for their Member Appreciation day....today is when they give out checks to their owner-members for a percentage of the profits for past years.  A nice check for $98.76 comes at a good time, dont' you think?  We have a really good, progressive company, and our telephone, internet and cable company is also Pioneer and owned by its members. TMI? 

Carol, I heard on TV that, although Target is not having the Salvation Army bell ringers at their stores, they did make a nice contribution of $3.2 million dollars to them this year.  So I'm no longer ticked  at them. 

Our town got new Christmas decorations for Main street a few years ago, and I do not like them at all.  They are those dorky banners that hang on the light posts, and say "Happy Holidays from Ulysses."  In the first placed, they NEED to say Merry Christmas, and in the second place, they do not show up at all, you have to look for them.  I'm thinking of writing a letter to the editor, something I do occasionally when I get frustrated at the status quo. 

Tonight our ladies' meeting is at my buddy Pat's house, and I'm to bring a relish plate, so need to make a dash to the grocery store.  Then tomorrow night is the Christmas dinner at the Care Home, and Wed. night, we vote as a church on whether to purchase the land for a new building.  Thursday, the kids invited us to go to the movie "Facing the Giants" with them......so busy week again!  But fun!

Pat, glad you and Geordie got to go for a sleepover!    And you and Geordie are welcome at my house anytime!

Smokey, do you get CDs to listen to, of the cantata music?  We have found those to be so helpful in learning the songs.  I know you will do well, brother!

Kevin, my procrastination did it again, I didn't get any entries into the Christmas preparation challenge.  Sorry.  I did take several! 

We stopped by Dollar General a while ago to pick up more wrapping paper, so I believe I will go and wrap more packages.  Talk to you later!

Good Day everyone I have been to Curves to workout and on to Tai Chi, Now I have a pot of Chicken veggie soup on cooking.

I have to go by the bead store to get  a couple of Lobster claw clasps to fix my Medic alert Bracelet. I made the bracelet myself and yesterday I got it caught on something and it gave way. Other than that I don't have to go any place today.

However tomorrow is another story, I have to leave Jan's at noon to get to a business luncheon then at 7 PM another business meeting.


Colin another great poem from you thank you so much for sharing you wonderful talents with us here on CP you are  a wonderful addition to the group.

TTYL

I woke late so now everything is late.  I took the trash out and then had my breakfast and read my devotions.  Then I decided to drive to Pendleton and get my furkids their food.  They have to Urinary Tract Cat Food...well, Ali does and how do you keep Inky out of it.  I was buying Purina but they didn't eat much of it but this food from the vets office, they eat more ..... and expel more.  Keeps their pipes open!!  Then I went to the Dollar General in Pendleton. 

I took my shower after I got home, ate some lunch...leftover from lunch yesterday... and now catching up on the pc.

Tonight is a pitch in dinner for the Photo Guild.  Looking forward to that.

Thanks, Pat, for the "Brightest and Best" music.  It's a good one, but, like others, I've never heard it before.  Who/when/why wrote it?

Pat, beautiful song.  I had never heard that one before and played have played it a couple of times before managing to put the words to it.  I think I may be playing it again at home a couple of times.

This weekend was rather expensive and today isn't shaping up to be much better.  I took my car in to get the oil changed and also had the change the battery.  Not easy because the front driver's tire has to be removed to change the battery.  Today at lunch I went out to get something to eat and came out to get into my car and come back to the office and heard the hissing of air from the front tire.  I called home to get Bruce to come change it for me, and then started to pull out the spare tire and jack from the trunk.  A fellow in the parking lot having his lunch in his truck saw what I was up to and came over and proceeded to change it for me.  Chivalry is not dead!  Now after work will have to take it to the tire place and see how much road hazard I have left on the tire.

Now must get back to work.  Have a great day everyone.

Dear children,

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. Although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Now, having said that let Me go on.

If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can and may remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish. I actually spoke of that one in a teaching explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgot that one, look up John 15:1-8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it.

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile, it could make the difference. Also, you might consider supporting the local Hot-Line: they talk with people like that every day.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary, especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name. You may already know someone like that.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them (and I suspect you don't) buy some food & a few gifts and give them to the Marines, the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

P.S Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work. Time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember,

I LOVE YOU.

Thanks, Marilyn.  That is really good, and I hope you don't mind that I copied it to send on to others.   

Janet,

Add your photos anyway!  We'd love to see 'em!   They won't be in the voting part, but so what!?!  I'd just like to see your preparations .  Hey, it's Christmas!

Gripped,
Kevin

hello all!

just running through for a moment, seeing how everyone is.  i didn't get an entry into this contest, but i will try to vote!

It's cold in Western North Carolina, so we are staying in as much as possible.  I think the kids and I all are getting cabin fever though.

We had our Christmas cantata at church yesterday morning.  The choir director likes to do it as early as possible so she doesn't have to be stressed about it right before Christmas.    Of course, I'm the choir director, so I think that is a grand plan.  No one has argued with me yet.

Take care!

karmat

Wonderful posts everyone. I have read them all and each one is a blessing. I especially like your Dear Children one Marilyn.
Well it is my bedtime so I will wish you all goonight. God bless.

Breakfast  at McDonald's
Please  read until the end.

This  is a good story and is true, please read it all the way through until the end!  


I  am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college  degree.

The last class I had to take was Sociology.

The teacher  was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had  been graced with.

Her last project of the term was called  "Smile."

The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and  document their reactions.

I am a very friendly person and always smile at  everyone and say hello anyway, so, I thought this would be a piece of cake,  literally.

Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest  son, and I went out to McDonald's one crisp March morning.

It was just  our way of sharing special playtime with our son.
We were standing in  line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to  back away, and then even my husband did.

I  did not move an inch... an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me  as I turned to see why they had moved.


As  I turned around I smelled a horrible "dirty body" smell, and there standing  behind me were two poor homeless men.

As I looked down at the short  gentleman, close to me, he was "smiling".

His beautiful sky blue eyes  were full of God's Light as he searched for acceptance.

He said, "Good  day" as he counted the few coins he had been  clutching.

The  second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the  second man was mentally challenge d and the blue-eyed gentleman was his  salvation.

I held my tears as I stood there with them.

The young  lady at the counter asked him what they wanted.

He said, "Coffee is all  Miss" because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the  restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be  warm).

Then I really felt it - the compulsion was so great I almost  reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes.

That is when  I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every  action.

I smiled and as k ed the young lady behind the counter to give me  two more breakfast meals on a separate tray.

I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on  the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman's cold hand.

He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, "Thank you."

I leaned  over, began to pat his hand and said, "I did not do this for you. God is here  working through me to give you hope."

I started to cry as I walked away  to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, "That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope."

We held hands  for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we  had been given were we able to give.

We are not church goers, but we are believers.

That day showed me the pure Light of God's sweet  love.

I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this  story in hand .
I turned in "my project" and the instructor read  it.

Then she looked up at me and said, "Can I share this?"

I  slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class.

She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this  need to heal people and to be healed.

In my own way I had touched the  people at McDonald's, my husband, son, instructor, and every soul that shared  the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student.

I graduated  with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn: UNCONDITIONAL & ACCEPTANCE.

Much  love and compassion is sent to each and every person who may read this and learn  how to
LOVE PEOPLE AND USE  THINGS - NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE.

If  you think this story has touched you in any way, please send to others.
There  is an Angel sent to watch over you.

In  order for her to work, you must pass this on to the people you want watched  over.

An  Angel wrote:
Many  people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave  footprints in your heart.

To handle yourself, use your head.

To  handle others, use your heart.

Keep  this going   

HAVE A GREAT  DAY!

Karma, I think that's a grand plan, too!  How did your catata go?  Good to see you again!

Marilyn, some of that I agree with, but if we just lie down and let them steamroll us, taking Christ out of Christmas, along with the rest of the things they are doing in the Culture War, then soon all of our freedoms will be chipped away.  Because we are Christians, is all the more reason to fight against such things.  I think a  Lot of things "attributed" to God speaking, are not His voice at all.  And we all know December 25 was not the actual date of Jesus' birth, but does it really matter WHEN we celebrate it, as long as we DO remember?

I need to go fix a relish tray for the get-together tonight.  Anyone want a celery stick?  

I do believe we should stand up for our constitutional rights - for the sake of others if not our own sakes - but I also believe we should do the things contained in the "letter," because they will be the very BEST testimony to our relationship with Him.

Janet for one thing I did not write that letter so please don't be upset with me over what you disagree with, I happen  to feel that  fighting against some of those things would be wrong for a "Christian" to do. Arent we supposed to represent Jesus? What would Jesus do? God is Love and we are to love  others and show them God's love.
I am sorry you got angry with  was that letter says. The letter was a blessing to me.

When someone says "Happy Holidays" instead of Merry Christmas  just smile and say "Thank you and Merry Christmas to you too"

IMHO Too many Christians are not showing the love of God  by protesting every chance they get.

Sorry for stepping one any-one's toes I did say in my humble opinion.

Hi everyone.  Glad to read that the Cantata's went well.  We are not doing ours until next weekend so still have a couple more practices.  Our choir director also prepares separate part CDs for us and plays the piano note along with the recording and sings our part (I sing Bass).  Our choir director has perfect pitch which is something I do not have although don't have too much problem as I do read music.

We had a very busy day.  Pat and I both had dentist appointments and one tooth each that needed a filling.  We then went to the mall area and finished up Christmas shopping, ran some errands, I had a blood test done at Kaiser, we ate out at Smokey Bones, one of our favorite places, and then came home and I had a nap.

We really warmed up here today as it got to 63 degrees and it was bright and sunny.  We really enjoyed being out.

Etta Sue, that was a good devotional today.

 

I get tickled each time I hear or read, "What would Jesus do?".  Jesus would come to earth and die for this bunch of ingrates.  Oh, He did that already!  And on His way to the cross, He was very confrontational and absolutely uncompromising in doing what pleased His Father.

Some "thoughts" from Isaiah, Chapter 9...

     The people who walked in darkness
      have seen a great light.
   For those who lived in a land of deep shadows—
      light! sunbursts of light!

   You repopulated the nation,
      you expanded its joy.
   Oh, they're so glad in your presence!
      Festival joy!
   The joy of a great celebration,
      sharing rich gifts and warm greetings.

   The abuse of oppressors and cruelty of tyrants—
      all their whips and cudgels and curses—
   Is gone, done away with, a deliverance
      as surprising and sudden as Gideon's old victory over Midian.

   The boots of all those invading troops,
      along with their shirts soaked with innocent blood,
   Will be piled in a heap and burned,
      a fire that will burn for days!

   For a child has been born—for us!
      the gift of a son—for us!
   He'll take over
      the running of the world.
   His names will be: Amazing Counselor,
      Strong God,
   Eternal Father,
      Prince of Wholeness.

   His ruling authority will grow,
      and there'll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.
   He'll rule from the historic David throne
      over that promised kingdom.
   He'll put that kingdom on a firm footing
      and keep it going
   With fair dealing and right living,
      beginning now and lasting always.
   The zeal of God of-the-Angel-Armies
      will do all this.

In His Grip,
Kevin

Quote from: Marilyn on December 11, 2006, 07:54:09 PMSorry for stepping one any-one's toes I did say in my humble opinion.

I read both of your posts and was touched by both of them.  Both of them had something to say to me.

While I have not always objected in writng or with my checkbook to merchants who say Happy Holidays that doesn't mean that I don't think we are in danger of letting the world take over this special celebration time.

As for the smelly men in McDonalds, I have not experienced up close and personal their "smell" but that doesn't mean they are not all around us. 

When God gives us an opportunity we need to be looking for it and not miss it, whether it is righteous indignation or giving a tray of food to someone.  Or perhaps just a word of encouragement.

So, I will view the nativity scene at the entrance to our town and be thankful that the churches, businesses and citizens of Wayne have funded this scene.  And I will look for opportunities that God puts in my path... smelly or not.

By the way Marilyn....thanks for interrupting my day and giving me reason to stop and be thankful and to think.