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Morning Devotional...



Where Is The Awe
by Judy B

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.  And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.  And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
Luke 2:8–18 (KJV)

I have spent a lot of time this Christmas thinking about the birth of the Christ.  What has happened to Christmas?  Yes it has become commercialized, with Santa as the focus, but that has never taken the joy of Christ's birth from me before.  The Christ was always my focus, but the spark that made this a favourite celebration was gone.

Yes there has been the celebrations, at church and school pageants, but the joy had gone in watching these performances.   They were reduced to cutsie and repetitious.  

Is that what Christmas has become?  Cutsie and repetitious?  Why was this, was it just in my soul or did I see it in the eyes of others.  Christmas concerts should be about the birth of Christ, but the programmers of one concert said, "The people don't want all that 'Christmas stuff in a concert.'"  Is this the same as I had been feeling?

Where is the awe that is reflected in the shepherds visit to the manger?  They fell on their knees in front of him...This is a celebration of the Christ! The Son of the I Am!  Have our senses become so dulled and eroded that we don't see His Gift and the awesomeness of it?   This is THE Christ, the One and only Christ, our Saviour and our Lord.  

Let us reflect on the message of the shepherds, renew that sense of awe, and go and do likewise.


And when they had seen it ( the Baby), they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

Thank you  Pat.

What a wonderful devotional this week, Judy!  Wonderful message.

Oh, that we might all keep our eyes focused on Jesus Christ, who came into this world with one main purpose and that was to die--for my sins--and for yours!

Judy, I didn't know you were such a polished writer! That was beautiful and well spoken.

The shepherds that you referred to and their awesome journey is a wonderful lesson for us all. Your devotional reminds me of my favorite Christmas Carol! May the reason for the season draw us all to Jesus Himself.

Yes, we got to the Stevenson Christmas dinner and had a wonderful time!  There were 25 of us.  The food was great with turkey and ham and all the extras.  The kids exchange gifts.  The men exchange gifts and the women exchange homemade gifts...that's why I made two calenders for Ivalou and I to exchange with the other women.  The two women loved the calenders.  I got a reed diffuser that Angie made 'jackets' for for the different seasons...spring, fall, Christmas and winter.  Neat idea! 

It is one of those nights.  I got up for the bathroom and tossed and turned for an hour.  Got up and here I am.  I think I can go back to sleep now!  The alarm will go off at 7am!

I have to run the overhead projector system tomorrow at church so will be going in early.  Neighbor Jane is taking Ivalou and I will bring her home...if she doesn't think it will be too slick to go! 

Then if Ivalou goes, I will bring her back home after Sunday School and I will have fast food somewhere and go swimming.  Kitty may meet me...may not! 

No Makena Grace yet.  Labor is to be induced at 8am today!

Have a great Lord's Day!!

Lovely devotional today, Judy.  Thanks.  If only we could recapture that feeling of awe at the holy season once again.  I want to become as a little child again, and experience the wonder of hearing the beautiful story as if for the very first time.

Marilyn, I'm so sorry about Gilbert treating you this way.  Just pray for him, that his own kids won't do him this way some day in the future.  These generational curses have to be broken, and let's stop them with US.  You have the Lord as your Savior, and even though painful, you can bear this; whereas, someone who doesn't know Him might resort to "pay back" sometime.  I have spent many hours crying over hurts inflicted by family members, so I'm not making light of the situation.  But we never go wrong when we respond in love.  {{{hugs}}} and blessings to you.

I have especially been enjoying the blessed songs of Christmas this year.  Thanks for posting What Child is This? Pat.  I guess I finally did something right, because it played this time!  :thumbsup:

I have run out of Christmas cards, so think I will go hunting for left-over ones from previous years, as I need to send a few more.  I got 40 with photos on them, but they didn't go very far.  Hmmmm........  When I am up to it, I will go and adress Beth's for her, too.  I did get John's gift (a GPS) wrapped and addressed yesterday, and Darrel went to the P.O. and mailed it, so that's one item off my to do list!  :)

Hello there, Paul!  Good to see your face again, hope you aren't fighting too much snow.  We don't have any snow at all here in our corner of Kansas just now.

Pat, Hope you are feeling good again.

Hi everyone.  I really slept in this morning and Pat is still sleeping.  Sunday is the one day I don't get out early and go to coffee with the retired men.  I am ready for church.  We will have the choir this morning to help with hymns and the choral response at the send but we have a soloist in the anthem spot. 

We are chilly down here but have seen no snow, which is just as I like it.  I see the news about the heavy snow and feel fortunate to have ended up here in Georgia.  We can get some snow but it never stays on very long.  Our big thing is ice storms that knock out the power but haven't had one of those for several years.

Judy, thanks for the fine devotional for this week.  I sometimes wonder why people who have no belief in our Saviour even celebrate the Christmas holiday.  If the schools won't even let the name of God be mentioned then why the Christmas vacation period?  Anyway, very good comments you gave us for the coming week.

Paul, nice to see you post today.  If you can post you must have heat and that is good.  Did you get a lot of snow in Falls Church?

Janet, sorry to read that you haven't been feeling well and sure hope you are on the path to recovery. 

Etta Sue, that is a beautiful graphic of the wreath. 

Marilyn, sorry that your plans are not pleasing to your son.  Please remember that anger just hurts the person feeling it and does nothing to change the situation.  We cannot know the other person's mind.  I find that if I stay in today and protect my peace of mind my life goes a lot smoother.

Pat, nice to see you posting.

Carol, so sorry to read of the cancer that your cousin has.  It sure doesn't sound very good.  It sure seems as the height of irresponsibility to refuse to follow specific instructions that the roads are not safe and insist on continuing.  If they were to get caught in a drift they would expect someone else to risk their lives to come and help them. 

Jeanne, North Carolina has snow but it doesn't stay on as long as it does up North.  However, I would think in the Asheville area they would get quite a bit of snow since they are in the mountains. 

Judy, thank you for that beautiful devotional! 

Great devotional Judy I had no Idea you could express  the subject so eloquently, but then you are so full of the Lord that it is no surprise to me.

Janet I feel better this morning and that   revenge thing kinda interrupted my prayers
for  them. I thought about  taking their gifts and dropping them off outside their gate then calling them  and telling them where they were. But that was a crazy thought that I kicked out immediately.

My DIL has MS so I know all this cooking and stress  is going to effect her too.  I could drive down on Christmas morning and probably come back on Saturday. But the point my son was making is that they wanted to have their own Christmas just themselves on Christmas morning.

In previous years while I was still living down there, my son and the kids would come to my house for about an hour on Christmas eve sometimes Sarah would come if she wasn't busy cooking or resting. Then I wouldn't see them again until we were all together at her parent's house.

Christmas  is chaos at her parents, with the 4 grands and the rest of the extended family there. The kids are tearing into the presents and can't wait for the next present to tear open. I  like to give them  what is from me, while it is just us, that way they can appreciate what I have given them.

They hand out all the presents at once so   the kids don't know who gave what to them. This year I am giving Savannah a necklace and earring set that was mine but is her birthstone. I think that is kinda special. Forest is getting a book of paper airplanes that  was here at Keith's house. Both are getting a tub of 3 kinds of fudge and a mini Banana bread.

Anyway  I called my friend Willa, and  I feel like I am intruding on her Christmas with her family,. But she said  I can stay there if there is room, it depends on how many of her family show up. I would still drive down on Thursday afternoon. I have been part of some of her family functions since 2003. She and I  went to Curves every day for 2½ years and I first met her  my first day attending the church right after I moved  to McKinleyville. She is going to let me know on Wednesday.

Good Morning ...
Judy,  you have expressed exactly what I have been feeling lately.  It astounds me to see the focus of so many on material things, and what they can get, rather than on the true meaning of Christmas.  In fact, it makes my heart hurt.  :( All the fuss and frenzy of shopping, cooking, gift giving ... and disappointment at not getting something "expected."  I also hear, so often, that this is the time of year for most unhappiness, depression, and family fueds to blossom.  I don't understand.  :-\

Well, anyway, what I meant to write was how much I appreciate your devotional thoughts for this week.  I wish pray each one of us will recognize the true reason for the season this year.

Well said Judy. Christmas has eroded in the hearts of mankind to the point of commercialism and the real meaning for the season has become second place and sadly to say this has also crept into the Christian circles. Throughout the year churches and the people who attend them to often try to bring Christ to the level of a buddy rather than Lord and King as He is. I often see people give more respect and honour to man than they do to the Lord. I appreciate your devotional this week Judy. I think it is right on target. Stay focused on Him and not the world.

Marilyn, I can't help but believe the Lord is allowing these roadblocks to be put before you in order to prevent you from making that trip.  Please take some quiet time with the Lord and let Him show you what He would have you do. 

Y'know, Jeanne, I believe you have something there.  It really does seem Marilyn has met with many snags in her plans to travel to California. 

Marilyn, this is good advice from Jeanne ....

Now folks, I really am NOT looking for kudos here, but I posted about the program at my kids' church last Sunday, which I considered outstanding in today's commercialized society.  Nobody made a comment on it, so I am wondering if anybody even read it??  I think it is encouraging, so scroll back to a week ago and have a look, if you want.  :)  And if not, then........oh, well.

It is wonderfully warm here today, unbelievable for December!  WOW!  8)  :cool:

Grandson Mark is here using our band saw.  He is making a pedal airplane for little Alexis.  :)

Folks, I believe the post Janet means is HERE (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=9143.msg142111#msg142111).  Just click on that and read about the program Abby took part in. 

Janet, I'm sorry I didn't comment on it before.  It must have been a very moving and touching program and one which hopefully got through to more than just the young people participating, but those watching as well.

Janet  see there are a lot of posts that  don't get commented on, I'm sure they are all ready though, I am guilty of reading that post about Abby's performance and didn't comment either. Forgive me. please.

Jeanne and Jane,  I will definitely take it to the Lord in prayer and  go from there. As it is I left a message on Gilbert's phone that  will see them at Ann's (Sarah's mom) and that I respect  their plans.

Judy:  Our sermon this morning was on the Wonder of Christmas and just what you wrote about - --talk about being on the same wavelength!  The question was asked of do you see the awe, do you see the joy?  After, we were walking out and everyone said "Merry Christmas" to each other - how wonderful to say it - and not hear one "Happy Holiday". 

Don was able to listen to a guitar playing singer and heard every note - pianos are not good for him but this was super.  It is just great.  We had a nice temp of 20* F and it was so refreshing at dawn going into church - it does wake us up. 

My high school friend who fell off a ladder wrote from Oregon - she can't walk for at least 12 weeks.  She is newly widowed and I think financially challenged after husbands long illness - yet filled with praise for life. 

I am reading a Karen Kingsbury audio book, should say listening to it - about Sept. 11th. Twin Towers.  Usually, I don't care for her writing but this is an exceptional story.  We should never forget.

Janet:  We cut up our cardboard and take it to a recycle bin, and put glass, plastic & a ton of so much into a laundry basket that they take every other week.  Newspapers & junk mail - yes, we are careful not to have info in all.   ^-^  Otherwise, we donate things we no longer use to the nearest Goodwill. 

Janet Abby's program was very similar to the one the children put on at church this morning.  About the real meaning of Christmas.  I'm sorry I didn't comment, I did read and was touched.

We were at our pastors home tonight with 3 other couples.  The food was terrific and we enjoyed getting to know the other couples.

We are just sitting relaxing tonight.  Have a great evening everyone and God Bless.

It's been a very quiet day here in my apartment. Y'all can rest assured that every post is really meaningful to me, even if I don't say anything.

Have a great rest of the day.

Really nice devotional, Judy...I have felt this dilemma. I look at Christmas suspiciously. Christ is the hope and reason we are here and it seems like the world (in general) has passed up this magnificent-most importance of Christmas-Christ above all else...

Good Monday morning to you all!  Thanks for re-reading and commenting on the program we saw and heard.  My only reason for mentioning it again was that we are discussing the meaning of Christmas, and I thought it fit.

There are many posts which aren't commented on, and that's fine; that wasn't my motivation at all.  Most of the time I don't expect any comments, after all, we are just sharing our ordinary (and extraordinary!) lives here; no comment necessary,  It was just so refresghing to hear a children's program putting the whole emphasis on the true story and meaning of Christmas, including the plan of salvation.  Praise God! (And thanks, Jeanne for putting in the link._  :)

Ruth Ann, how I wish I were there (or you here) to just give you a big hug, then sit for a cuppa and a nice visit.  Bless you, my friend.  This reminds me of that book A Cup of Christmas Tea.  Remember that?  I liked it.

Carol, wonderful news that Don could hear and enjoy the guitar music!  God is good.

I am hoping to be able to get out and finish up a few things by tomorrow.  I'll soon be out of time for getting more done for Christmas!  But I keep saying, "What I don't get done just won't get done."  And in the grand scheme of things, will it really matter?

Beth has such a generous heart, but very limited monetary rescources.  She wants to give gifts to the family, so that is a puzzle for her.  As I was working on cleaning out her house, I set aside things I know her sisters, nephews, etc. will enjoy, and asked her if she would like me to wrap them as Christmas gifts.  She agreed happily!  So her lovely collection of cookbooks are going to bless other homes, some of the toys she was given (she has so many stuffed animals and Noah's Ark things) are going to bless babies and children of her friends.  This has been a labor of love, as I know these things will be treasured, being given out of Beth's need.  I am about finished with this now.  

Now to get those cards I found (and made) addressed and ready to mail.........

Our Christmas plans have changed.  Doug's family cannot attend on Christmas Day, so we are looking at changing all future plans with family.  We are discussing having everyone over on Christmas Eve with a buffet table instead of a big dinner.  That frees everyone up to do as whey want on Christmas day.  There will be no hurt feelings or upset.  As far as this year goes, we are so thankful that Doug is in our lives that we are not fretting about the change. 

Today will be a broken up day.  John has a doctor's appointment, so into North Bay yet again.  I am hoping to stay home for the balance of the week.....we'll see if that happens.  Kids have a way of changing your plans.  Thing is it costs 1/4 tank of gas every trip into the bay, and even though the cost is somewhat down it still is a $60 fillup.

Kassie is at her brothers.  Doug picked her up at about 8:00, she stayed for a couple of songs and because we don't agree with dances, she called to go home.  She is showing some integrity I think.

I have to run everyone is up and we have things to do.

Have a great day everyone.

Hi everyone.  It is a truly beautiful day here in Georgia.  A bit chilly but the sky is clear.  The housekeeper is here today so things will be ready for Christmas when our children are here. 

Today I have to take Pat clear across Atlanta to see the eye specialists regarding taking care of her cataracts.  Her vision has become very distorted so she has decided it is time to have them taken care of.  It is Interstate most of the way so shouldn't be too bad.

Janet, I assure you I read all of the postings but often don't try to comment on specific things or I would have extremely long postings, not that they aren't anyway.  That was a wonderful idea as to Christmas gifts from Beth. 

Judy, it is nice that you all can be flexible on your Christmas plans.

Carol, our Cantata this year was called the Wonder of the Season.  Our director is very careful to select very meaningful cantatas and anthem that we sing all year.  The Cantata had reading of the Christmas story integrated in it between the number.  Sure glad that Don was able to enjoy the service.

Marilyn, I am happy to see you have reconciled your situation.  I would doubt that your son was trying to hurt you but rather deal with some other issues and pressures he may have been feeling.  It will be as it is intended to be.  Enjoy whatever time you will have with your family.  This is what we have had to do for many years.

Jane, I liked your comments on Christmas and I agree with you. 
   

I, so very much, enjoy reading the posts from all!
My husband, Everett, and I were one of the couples who enjoyed the dinner and fellowship, with JudyB and her husband , John. Yes we had a wonderful time and learned more about our pastor's time in Liberia and the joys of seeing God work out the many difficulties they encountered.
My son, Rhett is due, by train from Toronto, at twelve thirty-five, to spend Christmas with us, so I have to run in a few minutes.
Here is a little poem I put in our Christmas letter, this year. It conveys so much of what everyone here has been saying!


God's blessing to you all this Christmas season.

Thank you Ruth, We need to get together more often.

I am leaving soon.  We let the fire die last night and it was cleaned out this morning.  Brrrr it is still cold in the house.  I can't wait to get into the car where it will be warm!  but first a HOT shower and take the chill out of these old bones!

One of the cabs that a broker Doug works for had an accident last night.  Doug is to spend time fixing it.  His plans for today have changed to fix the cab,  From what I understand no one was hurt.  He does the extra things for this broker, I just hope the broker appreciates it and doesn't take advantage of him.

Well GTG, I will be back later this evening.  May each of you be kept safely in the palm of His hand.

Our Community is reeling from an accident that killed a horse, demolished the buggy and seriously injured the driver.  The newspaper report makes it sound like the buggy driver was in the wrong, when in reality the car was traveling at such a great speed that he ran into the back of the buggy with such an impact that it killed the horse that was pulling the buggy.

QuotePOWASSAN — A Powassan man has been airlifted to Sudbury hospital after the buggy he was riding collided with a car.

The Ontario Provincial Police say the accident occurred at 3:45 p.m. Tuesday on Memorial Park Drive.

Police say an eastbound 2008 Nissan Altima driven by Robert Gray, 71, of Memorial Park Drive, collided with an eastbound horse and buggy operated by Omar Eicher, 61, of Chiswick Line.

Eicher was taken by ambulance to North Bay and District Hospital but was later airlifted to Sudbury with criticial injuries.

Gray was taken to North Bay and District Hospital with minor injuries.

Memorial Park Drive was closed for five hours following the collision which remains under investigation by the Technical Traffic Collision Investigation Unit.

The car driver has been reported to the police numerous times, and still drives with careless speed and no concern to others.

The Mennonite man who was injured is in Hospital and community members are taking his family to see him on a daily basis.  This is a 2 and a half hour drive from here.

Please be praying for the family.  Also the Mennonite community .  They don't have health insurance either, so there will be a financial burden to be born.

Also the accident was witnessed by a a busload of school children who were traumatized at seeing the dead horse.  Please pray for these children as well.

One of our church members witnessed the accident and was able to help out at the scene.  He has been instrumental in getting volunteers to drive the family to Sudbury.

Makena is here!  Labor was induced yesterday morning at 8am but little Makena still took her time.  Her birthday was yesterday, December 20th at 9:50pm!  She weighed in at 9lbs. 7ozs. and 21½" long.  Mother and baby doing fine!  Makena is my step-great-granddaughter...Charlene's daughter, Audrey's baby.  Charlene is Tony, my son's wife.  Now you got it!

I was going to go swimming after church yesterday but Kitty had a headache so I came home after lunch.  I got lots of things done so it was worthwhile.  We are looking forward to swimming tomorrow afternoon. 

Since Makena made her appearance, I got my calenders all printed this morning.  Kaye Don's is in the mail.  Ivalou has hers.  Tony's is ready and all of Ivalou's family's are in envelopes and under her Christmas tree. 

Now I want to make key rings for Audrey and Charlene with Makena's picture on them.  You use printable Shrinky Dink from Hobby Lobby or other craft stores.  Hope I can do that this afternoon. 

Busy today and lunch is late. 

Kitty has written to me saying what all she has to do yet.  And even questioning..is it worth it?  I asked her to make a list after Christmas of what she did that she thought others appreciated.  An Appreciation List.  Then next year...only do those things.  If someone says, I really missed so and so that you used to do/have, then add it back to the list.  Just because you have always done everything, doesn't mean you still have to do them.  As the families grow, they need to make their own traditions.  If you do everything, then you are not letting them make their own. 

The commercial part of Christmas is so stressful to me.  I don't like the hustle bustle, the card mailing, the gift buying, the wrapping, the family juggling, etc. but I love Christmas Eve service and Christmas Day spending time with family.  Just wish all material gifts were abolished.  We have already received the greatest gift ever...Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, born in a manger in a barn for us.

Quote from: Etta Sue on December 21, 2009, 01:21:50 PM

I don't like the hustle bustle, the card mailing, the gift buying, the wrapping, the family juggling, etc. but I love Christmas Eve service and Christmas Day spending time with family.  Just wish all material gifts were abolished.  We have already received the greatest gift ever...Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, born in a manger in a barn for us.

Etta Sue .... I totally agree! :thumbsup:

Congratulations !!

This morning I have baked another loaf of Banana Bread just in case I need another gift for Willa, that is if I go there on Thursday. If I don't go there I will probably give it to Sarah's mom and dad. I also baked a German Chocolate cake. I am going to color my hair this afternoon. I will be spending Christmas night at Gilbert's.

Etta sue you do so much for everyone,  It is time for you to sit down and rest, have a cup of tea and relax. Even doing stuff on the computer can be stressful. Some of the stuff I do in  PSP is stressful and gives me  aches and pains from the stress.

Welcome baby Makena...how cool is that 3 babies born within family of CP members...Oh Yes, I put up some pics in the people thread to show my little grandson...Have a look!!!  http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=9316.msg142404#new (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=9316.msg142404#new)

Many Happy Blessings and may your heart be filled with the love of God and all his Goodness...

I spoke to one from the Mennonite Community and was told that the injured man will be paralyzed, permanently.  This is so sad.  Let him know we are as a church community praying.

Judy, I read the article you posted, and prayed, but I'm sorry that I neglected to comment here.

I feel badly for that poor man and his family/community.  :(  Such terrible things happen to innocent people simply because "someone" wants to disregard the law.   :ticked:

I hope this man gets his ticket pulled.  Such disregard for the others on the road is appalling. 

Well looks like Elizabeth is finished her shopping.  Now for Kass to do up hers and my last 3 items.

Hopefully I will be able to stay home tomorrow. I am tired of all the running around.

Oh John got a clean bill of health from the Doctor.

Judy I am praying for the man too.

Lots of news here today - a mix of good and not so good.

Makena has arrived - that's good.

Marilyn's plans are settled - that's good.

The mennonite man injured by the careless driver will be paralyzed - that's definitely not good.  I will hold this poor man in my prayers.  I hope the driver of the car will be held responsible.

John's doctor gave him a clean bill of health - that's good.

That's sad Judy, bout the Mennonite man.  I did not mean to overlook your post, for that I apologize. There was a few months ago the same thing happened an hour or so away from here-a car drove into a family of 3-2 of the brothers were killed. So sad...Good he's still alive and must pray for strength of the family.

I hope this man gets his ticket pulled.  Such disregard for the others on the road is appalling.  

Well looks like Elizabeth is finished her shopping.  Now for Kass to do up hers and my last 3 items.

Hopefully I will be able to stay home tomorrow. I am tired of all the running around.

Oh John got a clean bill of health from the Doctor.

Judy, is getting your ticket pulled the same thing as having your driver's license revoked?  For sure, he shouldn't be out on the roads causing danger to innocent people.  Prayers for the man who was injured so severely.

We have been having really warm, calm weather for this time of year, but "they" say there's a storm heading our way, to arrive late this evening, I think.  So that will likely knock Kerri and family out of getting to come during Christmas week.  That is disappointing, but I sure don't want them out on the roads in dangerous weather, and that's a five hour drive one way in GOOD weather.

Congratulations, Etta Sue, on the arrival of McKenna!  Babies are such fun!

Mark worked until after 11 last night on the airplane he is building for little Lexi.  He is nearly done, and wants to finish before he goes home, so he spent the night with us.  He's a good Uncle.  I have never seen a pedal airplane, but bet it will be a hit!

Would you please pray for me?  I just stood up from the bed last night, and something shifted in my lower back; now I can barely walk!  Ouch! That's the reason I am posting at such an hour!

So good to hear John got a good report from his doctor!  :)

I will probably be back later, and hope I can give a good report, too!

Yes getting his ticket pulled IS the same as having his licence pulled.  This man is just plain dangerous. 

Janet I am sorry your back slipped. that can be so painful, I know.  Have you any muscle relaxants?  That may help make the treatment less painful. Praying here.

I have made what Johnny calls Gramma cookies.  Everyone is welcome to some while they last to have with their coffee/tea.  in case you are allergic they contain pecans, raisins and chocolate chips. I will make more if needed.

Have a great day everyone.

I want two of those cookies, Judy!  They sound delicious, and since they are cyber, I can eat them.  Since I cannot exercise for a while because of the surgery, I am having to be careful.  After a pain pill and a couple more hours sleep in the recliner, I can move around better.  We are almost ready to leave for Liberal.

My, so many prayers for sorrows and praises for good news...the Mennonite man, babies, John, Janet, pedal airplanes, surgery, back pain, Gramma cookies, calm warm weather, snow storms, settled plans for Christmas, shopping done and shopping to do! 

I woke up this morning to more snow but it has stopped now.  I live in the richest county in Indiana (most income per capita).  There is good and bad in this.  Bad that our tax rate is high.  Good that the county has money to clear roads quickly.  The snow plow has been by my house 4 times already today!  But a half of a mile east is one of the poorest counties.  Enough said. 

Kitty and I plan on going to Pendleton today to Sisters Exchange.  It's a used clothing store.  I am hoping to find some sweaters for me since this is the first year in 20 years that I have felt chilled during the cold season.  You ladies my age know what I mean!  Then we want to go swimming and then find some place to eat that we haven't been to before!  Eating out at some place new or special will be our Christmas gift to each other! 

And have I mentioned?  I love my heat pump!  Keeps my home warm and comfy for a lot less $$$. 

I got a new picture of Makena today being held by Grandma Charlene.  She is a cutie!

Hi everyone.  I have had a busy morning on a very beautiful winter day here in Georgia.  I did walk a mile this morning at the gym, then went to the grocery store and bank and finally had a meeting to attend.  I am now finishing up my lunch and then will rest for a couple of hours. 

Judy, that is such a sad case you have told us about but such good news concerning John. 

Etta Sue, it is always great to have a new baby in the family. 

Marilyn, glad to see your plans have resolved and it sounds like in a very favorable fashion.  Enjoy your trip.

Juanita, congrats on your new grandchild.

Janet, isn't it amazing what a little twist or turn will do to our backs.  Glad it is feeling better.  Maybe that is a message to slow down and enjoy Christmas.

Jeanne, good summary of the joys and then the saddnesses that have been discussed today.  Hope you are not having frigid weather.

Hi Jane.

RuthV, thanks for sharing the poem. 

I made a decision not to send Christmas cards this year.  I plan on making some telephone calls either before or after Christmas.  It is one less strain on me and was sending a good many cards and letters. 

Larry A friend of mine sent everyone on her list an email saying she wasn't sending cards this year.... She was buying a goat instead!  Now that is something I can buy into.  World Vision supplies livestock we purchase to needy 3rd world countries.  Excellent!  I didn't send cards this year either.

Congratulations to those with newborn babies in the family!  Pat and Paul have a new grandson a while back as well! so that is 4 I think?

Today is deep cleaning in the house.  Not enjoyed, but necessary.

Bye for now
JudyB

Hi everyone. this morning I have wrapped up the presents for Gilbert and the family, washed the floors in the kitchen and two of the bathrooms, vacuumed the back bedroom (Large Master). That is where I let the dogs in and out through the  slider, and leaves have been tracked in there.  I use that slider because the  big deck off the dining room has those 5 stairs that I fell on last year and Happy has trouble negotiating the steps.  there are only 2 steps  at the back slider.

This afternoon I am going to gas the car, Keith checked all the fluids and my tires over the weekend. All that's left is for me to pack a few things into a bag and I will be ready to go.

Have a Blessed day.

The girls and I are going out to do the last of the shopping.  This won't take too long.  I also want to do the last of our food shopping.  Instead of a Christmas Day celebration We are having both Christmas day and Christmas eve.  It will be busy but, gradually we are going to change the family celebration to Christmas eve.  That frees the day up for the family to either make their own traditions or go to other family.  I believe this will in the long run be a lot better.

John is on the road still don't know what all he will be doing, or if he is coming home.  Time will tell.

Have a great evening

It was quite the challenge at the grocery store and now I have the dishwasher going and a bread machine making French Bread.  It will be a white Christmas - we have had snow since the last day of summer so this isn't unusual - most of it disappeared but the north side of everything has been white for quite some time.  My old family plates are on the table and they need their yearly washing by hand.  Such excitement. 

Larry:  We still send cards mostly because we moved last year but now Don writes a letter to everyone.  I try to call over the season too because that is fun and cheap on SKYPE. 

Good for buying the goat!  The Lutheran World Relief magazine always has great ideas - and I believe in things that help people learn a trade. 

Janet:  Be careful with your back.  There is always so much more to do over the season.  We are getting snow beginning today and lasting into Thursday - I just hope all the kids can make it over here.  Everyone has a 4-wheel drive. 

Carol, as I was walking around in Walmart this afternoon I suddenly thought, "My back hasn't hurt for the past couple of hours!!"  So I praised God right then and there!  He is so good.

They said on the weather just now that it might get to be quite a blizzard here.  It wouldn't bother me much except for trying to take Beth out.  That is an ordeal for us in pretty weather!  I guess wait and see will be best here, but I sure wouldn't want to disappoint her at Christmas.   :'(

Diane said Curtis, Toni and Lexi left home, headed to Hugoton at about 11 this morning, so they should have arrived by now.  They were trying to beat the storm, too.

I think I just might make a batch of Aunt Bill's Brown Candy tonight.  I used to make it every Christmas, but haven't made it now in years.  It was sort of a tradition when the kids were little.

I am needing to exercise!  And I don't suppose that 30 minutes or so of stirring white sugar until it melts qualifies......... ;)

Hi, friends, it's been a busy day here, too. Had car inspected and got license tags for the new year, met friends for a late afternoon meal, went to bank, etc.

Y'all have a good evening.

Dropping in to wish all a Merry Christmas.  I have not had time to come and read all the posts lately. Lots to do with getting ready for the holiday.

My daughter  does a lot of beautiful baking, gets friends who own a coffee shop to donate the coffee, sets up and holds a Customer Appreciation day for the Salvation Army Store.  I bake a lot of butter tarts and mincemeat tarts, help with things and get the kids dinner that night.

Next we buy presents for a single Mom and three kids.  Get a large food hamper ready, etc.  Another lady and her daughter select five worthy families who need help, also raised enough money donations to feed each family for one month.

After that we get all sorts of goodies, blankets, old towels etc.,litter, feed and go visit the SPCA and donate that along with a money gift.  I always get the staff some real good chocolates as they are a great group. We always spend time with the animals and it is so hard to leave them.  This is a great SPCA and the cats have a big room with little condos for each, toys and scratching posts....plus an outdoor exit for fresh air and exercise.  The dogs and other animals also have large areas and warm blankets to sleep on.

Since we only exchange small gifts with each other, this seems a worthwhile way to spend christmas.  I give Amanda money and a small gift, small gift for each of the kids.

I had to buy a new Monitor for my computer as the other one was two small for my poor eyesight to cope with.  Took one back because it had to much of a glare from the screen and got one with a matte finish.  A little hard to get used to the large screen....but enjoying it now.  Also had to get a new printer as my other one bit the dust.  Had it for five years, so can't complain.


Sorry that you are having problems about Christmas Marilyn.  Life is always changing!

Time to go.  Busy day and I am tuckered . 

Merry, Merry and God Bless.

Liz


Has anyone heard if Sarah has had her baby?  I hope that everything goes well for her and family.

Liz, what  wonderful ways to celebrate the birth of our Savior!  Thanks for sharing your plans with us.   <3

Pat, thank you for "One Solitary Life".   :D

I just looked out and see that - surprise, surprise!  It's snowing!  It was only supposed to be cloudy but what do the weather forecaster know!   ;D

We're supposed to be getting a huge storm coming in here, Jeanne from the west.

I'll be sure to send it on to you quickly!  ;)

 :snowman:  That is what is happening right now.  One son is driving back home here from the mountains because they did not get this last snowfall.  This is only supposed to be about 8 in. of snowfall. 

Janet:  I walked to the window early this morning and gave thanks for everything - even for the family member who is irritated with his dad right now - there has to be a reason for these things to happen.  I hope the storm isn't too bad for you folks.

Liz:  What a beautiful thing you and your daughter have made Christmas into by showing what caring about others means especially at this time of the year. 

Pat:  I have seen that message somewhere before and it is amazing. 

My French Bread loaf collapsed last night and I will have to make more loaves to test - this is our altitude problem.  It was really good when hot out of the breadbaker.  Now, I have to bake macadamia nut cookies because I bought these from a granddaughter of a lady who lives here and should have read they needed to be frozen.   

Oh Pat  I think Jeanne will be very appreciative of that. Just what she wants.  :lol:

I have my little suitcase on the bed and have  thrown in a couple of things. I still don't  know for sure how many nights I will be gone. Willa is supposed to call me today and let me know if I can stay there tomorrow night.

We had crunchy grass this morning, that means the possibility of Black ice on the road if I have to drive early in the morning on Christmas day. Bah Humbug  :-\
I have to go tot he store to get  a couple of things  we are out of  like milk and butter so I better get busy.

Pat, thanks for the 'One Solitary Life'.  This year on my Christmas cards, I put the lyrics of 'Christmas with a Capital C'.  You can hear the song here on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAckfn8yiAQ).  The talking part sounds angry but the song has a great message for all those 'Happy Holidays' people.

Kitty and I had a great Christmas for each other day!  We went to Sisters Exchange.  I got 8 sweaters/long sleeved tops and two jackets.  These are great quality clothes...not used looking like Goodwill which is a great place to find bargains.  There was even price tags on two of the sweaters from the original stores!  

Then we went swimming.  This time I swam for quality instead of quantity!  That means I rested between laps.  Best swimming I have ever had, meaning I swam instead of floundered!!  Each time I could swim the 25 yards instead of swim for awhile and change to get to the end.  

Then before we left, I looked in the phone book for Mexican restaurants in Carmel.  Kitty's husband doesn't care for Mexican food so that's what Kitty and I go for.  The food was fine but we both liked Don Pablo's better!  

Then I have been trying to get Kitty to sign up for Skype for months so she can see and hear her 4 year old granddaughter in Ohio.  She wouldn't do it.  So now her SIL has talked her into it.  They are getting her a webcam for Christmas.  So Greg said to download Windows Live and Skype.  Why MSN IM I don't know.  But I did that for Kitty.  When I got home I Skyped her...she could see me but I could only hear her.  Now I am waiting for her to email me back to see if she would like me to bring my Webcam to her house until Christmas Day when she gets her own.  

Tony called this morning and Charlene and him are coming here this evening to go to Anderson to eat for our Christmas together.  I love this way of gift giving.  I would much rather have their time together than exchange material gifts.  Love it!  

Ivalou is continuing doing great.  I called her this morning and she has gout again.  Fifth time since July!!  She is taking meds to prevent gout but it says you may get gout until the uric acid in your systems clears out.  So she started the other med for when she gets gout to stop the pain.  She is also to drink lots of liquid.  She doesn't drink near as much as I do, I know!  

Cloudy, dreary, rainy day in Central Indiana but above freezing right now!

60 hours and it will all be over!

That's it!

JOHN is coming home and won't be going out till after boxing day!!!  So he will be home for a few days.  I am just about dome, I need to do a bit of grocery shopping, but that won't take too long.

Heather's kids are in a pre-Christmas mood.. I remember those days, nothing seems to satisfy.  Thankfully the girls are out of that now.

Well got to go. Have a great day everyone.

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Quote from: Pat on December 23, 2009, 12:15:58 PM
We're supposed to be getting a huge storm coming in here, Jeanne from the west.

I'll be sure to send it on to you quickly!  ;)

That's OK, Pat. You can keep it until it's worn out.  I wouldn't want to deprive you!   :lol:

Oh, goody!  Just got an alert on my Desktop Weather that says light to moderate snowfall, only one or two inches, but hazardous driving conditions.  Oh well, I planned on staying home anyway.   :)

Paul, you posted that beautiful graphic while I was bemoaning the weather.  Shame on me and thank you!

I like that Paul, I wish I had that ability to make beautiful cards.

We are to have snow as well.  That is ok John is home, not still running the roads.  That is a relief in comparison to other years.

That's lovely, Paul!

Hope more folks post some cards in here! 

Guess what, Judy?

I'll be driving most of the night and have set a goal to try and arrive in Guelph before 4 AM!

Oh My Paul.... I will be praying for your safety.

I hope I'm fast asleep in bed at 4 am!!!!

:eek:

Oh, Paul!  Please don't try to hurry your long drive.  I'll be praying for your safe travel and clear driving conditions. 

Marilyn that looks like onr of the old fashioned Christmas Cards.  Well done.

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Hey!!!  Nice cards!  Thanks!

Hi Folks As the song says I'll be home for Christmas. Well I made it The truck is parked in the driveway and it looks like it won't be going anywhere until Dec 30 when I leave for Solway Minn. to deliver on Jan 1. It's good to be home early for a change. Different from other years when I can remember pushing until late hours of the 24th to make it home for Christmas. I hope all of you have a Merry Christmas and if you have to travel, that your travels will be safe. Remember to keep Christ in the center of your celebrations which is something that can get sidetracked with the hustle and bustle of the season. Take time to relax and reflect on the reason for the season and it's not santa claus. This can be done very well in front of a lit fireplace with a nice hot cup of hot chocolate with home baked cookies. Well I'll go for now but will be back sometime tomorrow. Bonesy

What pretty Christmas cards!  Thanks!

Well.....is everybody ready?  It's coming, anyway!  :lol:

Boy, I tell you!  It took a few years, but Beth's boyfriend John has really become a romantic guy!! I went up to the Home for their Christmas party today, and she asked me to open her gifts from John.  He sent her:  A stuffed bear that reads the Christmas story from the Bible; a pigs calendar; chocolate cordial cherries; chocolate truffles.....AND.......drum roll......a beautiful gold locket that says 'I love you' and has a rose on it; another lovely gold and diamond necklace with a B, and a romantic movie to watch!!  How about that??  She was talking to him on the phone when I left, and was a happy girl.   :)  God, please bless John.

I got my candy made tonight, now need to fix a bite for supper.  Lots more cooking to do tomorrow.

Janet, those gifts must have really helped lift Beth's spirits.   :)

Hi everyone.  This has been a very busy day and I am really tired tonight.  After coffee this morning 4 of us walked at the gym.  I then went to the grocery store and the gas station and headed up to get the oil changed in my car.  On the way there I ran into Fry's and bought an item my friend Rod had asked me to get the last time I was there and had forgotten.  I then went to the car dealer and the normal 30 minute oil change took 90 minutes as they were very busy.  By the time I had finished it was too late to get my flu shot at Kaiser so stopped for a bite of lunch and then headed to Atlanta to pick up Stacey. 

There was a terrible accident on I-85 that blocked all north bound lanes and that caused a tremendous traffic backup all around the area where I was.  I finally made it to the Interstate and didn't have any further problems.  However, it was after 3 pm before we got back to the house.

Everything is ready for our family Christmas and Pat and Stacey will put together a few more food items tomorrow and bake the ham so that will be prepared before Friday.  She has to pace herself.

I enjoyed all of the postings today but just am too tired to make individual comments. 

Hi, friends,

This may be my last post for a few days, since I'll be traveling to Georgia for family Christmas time this weekend.

Those cards are beautiful, and the sentiments expressed in this discussion are heartfelt and welcome.

May God's blessings be with each of us and those we love (as well as those we may find it hard to love)!

Happy Birthday, Jesus.

Travel safely, Ruth Ann.   :)

Well I am going to California tomorrow and stay at my friend Willa's  tomorrow night. Thank you God that I don't have to drive  in the morning  hours and can take my time in the afternoon.

It's so-o-o nice to see the cards in here.  Thanks so much!

Nice to hear from you all and to hear what you are doing.

 :thumbsup: Marilyn.   Drive safely; enjoy the ride; and have a wonderful time with family and friends.

I pray for all your travels that they be blessed and safe! I pray that your gatherings be joyful. And may we not forget the Joy of our Lord Jesus Christ' birth...Merry Christmas, my friends!!!

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HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVE, EVERYBODY!!

I pray all your plans, travels, gatherings and relationships be blessed, as we stop and remember Jesus at the time of His birth.

We slept late and are just now stirring and deciding what to do today.

Today is trash day.  Well, it is also freezing after a rain out there.  My deck is resin.  Doesn't absorb moisture.  I about fell walking on the deck to take the trash.  I got Ivalou's trash and the Visiting Nurse came for the last time.  When I went back in to shut the garage door, I told Ivalou to look over to my house in a few minutes and if I was laying there to call 911!  The Visiting Nurse said 'Are you serious?'  I told her, 'Yes I was.  My deck is slick and if I can't get up then something is broken!' 

Earlier I got a call from Marge.  Ivalou, Marge, me and maybe Betty are going to see "Blind Side" this afternoon.  And if Ivalou isn't too tired, we will eat out somewhere.  And then Christmas Eve services are tonight at church at 7pm.  Busy day for Ivalou and the rest of us.  At least, we don't have to do too much tomorrow for Christmas Day. 

Tony, Charlene and I went to Real Hacienda for dinner last night and then they came in and visited when they brought me back home.  The gift was spending time with them!

I am praying that everyone's Christmas is a special as they are! 

Jane I will be leaving around noon. Have you opened your present yet?

Yes I have, Marilyn ... and thank you very much!  The banana bread is delicious but I haven't opened the pepper jelly yet!

My neighbors left just before 9 o'clock on their way north to visit with kids and grands ... they are in their motorhome, and plan to return on Sunday.  The roads are supposed to be dry and the ice should be off by the time they get through Florence.

I have an invitation to dinner with another neighbor today at 3 p.m. so that will be a good time of togetherness.  I will more than likely stay home and watch a movie and listen to my Christmas cds tomorrow. 

All y'all have a really blessed Christmas and be safe on the roads.   <3

Jane the pepper jelly isn't hot. glad you like the bread.

Quote from: Marilyn on December 24, 2009, 01:22:47 PM
Jane the pepper jelly isn't hot. glad you like the bread.

I know ... I've had pepper jelly before.  I just don't have anything to put it on at the moment.   :)

Merry Christmas everyone. May we all remember the true meaning of Christmas and I pray you all have a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Don

Merry Christmas.  We had heavy rain all during the night but that seems to be over now.  We do not have a white Christmas.

We expect our son to be here about noon and we will have our Christmas Dinner a little later.  The last we heard he is planning on being here for a couple of days.  I will likely take our daughter back to her apartment tomorrow. 

The house looks very festive.  My wife really got into the spirit of the season this year. 

Hope everyone has a wonderful Merry Christmas.

It is the day celebrated by many Christians as the day of our Lord's birth.  The Word of our Lord doesn't teach that we should observe the day, but that we should be thankful at all times for His coming.  Oh how thankful we should indeed be!  Think of it!  The holy Son of God humbled Himself to come into this world of sin in order to give Himself on our behalf - in order, by His suffering and death, to make atonement for our sins.  The words of J. S. Bach were, "Oh blessed Jesu, how hast Thou offended, that such a doom on Thee has now descended?  Of what misdeed hast Thou to make confession?  Of what transgression?"  Oh let us everlastingly be absolutely given to thankfulness for His coming, and let us be entirely given to serving Him all the days of our lives!

"Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me.  Bless His holy Name!"  "He gave Himself, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God."

Imagine this scenario.

It is your birthday. 

There will be a huge party with close friends and mere acquaintances invited.  The house is brightly decorated.  A festive meal is prepared. 

The guests arrive loaded down with gifts - which they exchange with each other and give nothing to you.

Strange kind of birthday celebration?  And yet that is exactly how the greatest Birthday of all time is celebrated!

Merry Christmas!  Candlelight Christmas Eve Service was very touching last evening.  So nice to see our little church filled! 

Marge, Ivalou and I saw 'Blind Side' yesterday.  I recommend the movie highly.  I would like to see it again.  Then we went to Bob Evans to eat but they were closed already.  So we went to O'Charley's and ate.  Great Christmas Eve! 

Today is a huge Christmas Dinner at Ivalou's.  Not sure who all will be there.  Just pray that everyone will be at least for an hour or so. 

It is 48°  and raining.  Better for the travelers.  Not ice and snow!  Praying for safe travels for everyone! 

Hope this Christmas is as special as all of you are!

Merry Christmas everyone.  May you all have a peaceful New Year

Merry Christmas all.   We give thanks for all the wonderful artists who have put beautiful Christmas cards in here.  Don and I went to a packed church at 2 PM yesterday and with the special hearing aids, again, he heard every word.  We are so thankful.  Some of the children had to work so we gathered finally close to 6 PM and ate, opened those presents and the time just flew.  Some are with family today and some are in the mountains.  We sure feel immediately lonesome whenever they leave but truly are so thankful that all are within driving distance and they all want to come together.  It is frozen outdoors so we stayed in all day - he is in the basement making small wooden gifts and I did put in an hour on sewing.  One hour on knitting and just getting things organized.   

Bonesy:  I looked up the tiny town of Solway, Minn. and see that it is south of Red Lakes. One Christmas - I stayed all alone in a hotel at Rochester, New York - but a family did invite me to attend their Catholic mass with them and I did enjoy the company.  They were kind enough to care - I was working. 

Al:  Your message of Christmas is timeless and needs to be mentioned over and over.  Thank you.  Praying for you and Marbeth and wishing you good health. 

Safe travels to all. 

Quote from: Jeanne Lee on December 25, 2009, 10:27:55 AM
Imagine this scenario.

It is your birthday.  

There will be a huge party with close friends and mere acquaintances invited.  The house is brightly decorated.  A festive meal is prepared.  

The guests arrive loaded down with gifts - which they exchange with each other and give nothing to you.

Strange kind of birthday celebration?  And yet that is exactly how the greatest Birthday of all time is celebrated!

It is kind of strange....The true joy of this holiday(meaning-holy day) is Christ Jesus our Lord...

Quote from: Al Moak on December 25, 2009, 09:52:10 AM
It is the day celebrated by many Christians as the day of our Lord's birth.  The Word of our Lord doesn't teach that we should observe the day, but that we should be thankful at all times for His coming.  Oh how thankful we should indeed be!  Think of it!  The holy Son of God humbled Himself to come into this world of sin in order to give Himself on our behalf - in order, by His suffering and death, to make atonement for our sins.  The words of J. S. Bach were, "Oh blessed Jesu, how hast Thou offended, that such a doom on Thee has now descended?  Of what misdeed hast Thou to make confession?  Of what transgression?"  Oh let us everlastingly be absolutely given to thankfulness for His coming, and let us be entirely given to serving Him all the days of our lives!

"Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me.  Bless His holy Name!"  "He gave Himself, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God."

Amen and Amen!!!

Wonderful beautiful cards to all sent!!!

Carol, Judy, Larry, Don and to Everyone!!! Peace and goodwill to all!!!

Thank you God-Thank you Jesus for this time and this season to remind us of your joy-love for all!!!

The day is over.  gifts exchanged, food eaten, weight gained, and all are tired.  What will we remember about this Christmas?  A gift? food? company? or will we remember the awe the shepherds felt when they saw the Christ?  Will we remember He is the I AM?  I pray we all do so.

What a wonderful Christmas spent with family and realizing the reason for the season.  Wonderful to look around the table of 23 and realize that we all will live in eternity with our Father in heaven.  What a great feeling. 

All the ones that had to travel back to Ohio because of jobs today (that's what happens when college kids work in retail) returned home safe and sound.  Jo, her husband, Steve, and Lydia stayed at Ivalou's.  I imagine they are putting up the Christmas decorations since Ivalou will be going to Ohio next week.  Then Ivalou had a blood draw January 4th so will be back home then. 

Since I didn't put up Christmas decorations, I am having a very leisure day today.  Just chilling out thinking about how blessed I am and how blessed my family is.  Thank you, God!

Hi everyone.  We are winding down our family get together today.  My son and I took my daughter back to her apartment after coffee this morning.  This is the first time he has seen where she lives.  It met a lot to her for him to be here this year and, of course, it met a lot to Pat and I to have them both here.  He will leave for home in the morning sometime. 

After we got back from downtown Atlanta (the traffic was really light--it was great) we went to the Texas Roadhouse for a good lunch.  We all enjoyed a very good meal. 

I have been trying to get my Christmas present present, a 23 inch monitor, set up and working with the second monitor.  It works with the Analog setup on both computers but when I set it up with the DVI (Digital) cable for the new monitor it doesn't want to recognize the older monitor.

We had a wonderful celebration yesterday highlighted by the visit in the late afternoon of our grandson and his wife and our great grandson. 

I feel like a giant sloth today!  I mean, I can't remember being so lazy for a whole day, in a very long time!  But I deserve to just do nothing occasionally, don't I?  :) Yep  ;)

I cooked for two days, so was a little bit tired.  Plus taking Beth out for the day is really tough for me.  Of course, I did have help with her, but feel the responsibility for her care mostly rests on me.  She was able to stay until about 7:30 last night, then we had to pack up and head home ASAP.  We got her back to the home all right.  And she had a good day, so it was all worth it.

We had a great day with the kids and grandkids, and the one great grand.  We had a nice brunch about 11 in the morning; then the big meal of ham and turkey and all the extras about 6 in the evening.  We exchanged lots of gifts--it seemed to be a book Christmas this year!  And we did remember that we were celebrating Jesus' birthday, and to thank Him for His inexpressible gift of salvation, purchased by His own death on a cruel cross.  What a God!!  What a Savior!  What a plan!

Etta Sue, glad you had a great Christmas.  Larry, bless you, I know how much it must have meant for your son and daughter to both be at your house.  God is still in the miracle-working business!  Hope you get your computer problem solved, and I know you will!

Grandson Mark gave me an external hard drive for my computer, along with a promise of coming up to install it and do whatever is necessary.  He worries about my losing my photos.  Sweet guy, that Mark!  ;)

I will probably wonder for days what happened to today!  :D  But it felt good to just relax and read a good book.  So no apologies.  Ha.

Today has been a day of family togetherness, also. I'm in Georgia with my son and his family, and my son from England, and also his son, and his new little grandson whom he is seeing for the first time since his birth in September.

What a joy to see how well everyone got along, how freely the conversation flowed, and the genuine joy in being together.

Now, I'm looking forward to feeling better tomorrow and enjoying a relaxed day with our Lord and with the family together.

Love to all.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  It is a beautiful morning here in Georgia.  We are having a combined service this morning at church.  The attendance is always down.  The choir is singing a very nice anthem today, a new one for us.  Our director is back from her trip to Germany with the Atlanta Symphony Chorus.  They sang with the Berlin Orchestra for the second year in a row.

Our son is still here but will leave for home this morning.  We have enjoyed having both of our children here and have had individual time with both of them as our daughter came out before Christmas and he has stayed a couple of days after.

It sounds like everyone has had a lovely Christmas.

I did get my new monitor all set up.  Windows 7 makes it very easy to use dual monitors.  I am going to have to get used to using such a large screen.

I will watch some football this afternoon and evening.

I just put away the last of grandmother's plates and  auntie's plates - all are as safe and snug as I could pack - barring an earthquake  ;)  And, yes - I have been through earthquakes in Colorado too although the ones in Seattle were bigger that what we have experienced here.  Don is making biscuits and gravy for breakfast this week and two neighbor couples are to be invited. 

I found some more of my kids on Facebook and got the chance tot alk some to my # 2 son, I have seen  him or heard from him in 17 years.

That's great, Marilyn!  Makes for an even more enjoyable and memorable Christmas, doesn't it?  ;)

17 years is a long time.

Yep Jane it's a long time.

Time to start a new week!

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