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Morning Devotional...





But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9


I am cheered to know so many of you are with me on this. We are going to go to the New Testament and be Bible Christians. We are going to sell out to God and not the devil. We are going to pray more, read our Bible more and attend prayer meeting more. We are going to give more and break bad habits by the power of God. We are going to become Christians after God's heart. We are going to be protesters in an hour when the smooth, sickly, slippery, rotten, backslidden, degenerate, apostate Christianity is accepted. We are going to stand for God, to act like simple Protestant Christians, to act like our Presbyterian Scottish forebears, to act like our English Methodist forebears, to act like the dear old Baptist who broke the ice in the creek and baptized people in the freezing water. They had a saying in those days, "Nobody ever caught a cold getting baptized in the ice." God Almighty saw to it that nobody ever died of pneumonia. Those Protestant forebears made these two nations, the United States and Canada. They made this continent. Are we going to be descendants of which they should be ashamed? Or are we going to say, "Lead on, we are following. You followed Jesus Christ, and we are following you." John Thomas was a dear old Welsh preacher I used to hear. While he preached he would raise his hands and say, "You supply the grit and God will supply the grace." He was right. You've got the grit; God has the grace.


Through the centuries God's people have experienced His grace. He doesn't give it to us in large cartons to be stored somewhere until we think we need it. He gives grace day by day, moment by moment, just enough as we in our weakness look to Him.


Lord, I feel so inferior to those giants of faith who have gone on before. But You remind me that out of their weakness they, too, trusted You step by step.

From Devotions By Dr. Tozer

Hi everyone.  It is going to seem very strange to go to church this morning and not head for the choir room.  Pat will not be going with me today as she is still battling this bad cold.  She did seem to get a good nights sleep so hope she will be feeling some better today.  Nothing else on tap for today after church.  I will probably go somewhere to get something to bring in for lunch for us.

Etta Sue, I don't think I have ever heard of a peppermint cheese cake.  Scary event to Tony and Charlene.  These deer can do great damage and make night time driving dangerous.

Al, glad you could make another posting and do hope you will be able to go home soon.

Don, thanks for the devotional thoughts for this week.

.... Thank you Don  .... so true. Multiple times I have gone for Him for His grace.... knowing I don't always display the grit!

I've had a busy day. We were picked up at 8:30 A.M..... and didn't get home until 5:30 P.M.  What a blessing to have friends who can help in times of need! Tomorrow, I am picking up one of those friends (I have her vehicle) and we are heading back up to North Bay.

I'll drop in, on my way back home, to check on how the repairs (actually... retrofit) is doing on my car.

God bless everyone in C.P. I'll see you tomorrow night.

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Here is our Christmas Letter I would like to share with you, all my friends on  :cp:

Ruth, I've downloaded your letter, and will read it tomorrow.

Today, I drove to Cullman, AL for my great grandson's christening ceremony. What an honor to be asked to attend!  I do SO much love my grandson and his lovely wife, and their two precious little sons.

Now, since it was a one-day turnaround, I'm ready to not set my alarm tomorrow morning. ;)

G'nite, friends!

Ruth Ann

"And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ."  Matthew 1:16

Joseph had much more than a minor role in the first Christmas pageant.  His contribution to God's divine plan was not insignificant.  There is not a lot known about him, but it is obvious that he was a fine man, caring husband, and would be a good surrogate father to the Saviour of the world!  Matthew 1:19 records the facts that he was a just man and had Mary's good name and reputation at heart.  However, the angel of the Lord again interjects his reason into the mind of Joseph in a dream.  Joseph is for the most part a silent partner in the life of Jesus' earthly family.  As a matter of fact, he only has a small speaking part, and the only word he gets to say is—Jesus! (see vs. 25).  If in this life the only name you ever know, the only One you ever call is Jesus, and He responds to your earnest plea, happy you will be.

From a practical platform can you imagine what it must have been like for this young couple, madly in love, soon to be wed and then to be confronted with this unsuspected, unprecedented predicament?  I can see tears, hurt feelings, hopelessness, resolve, and his decision is made to put her away, but God intervenes.  Joseph submits to the Word of God!  He adjusts his life, plans, and future to coincide with the overriding plan of God.  He backed off and let God do in Mary's life what was beneficial for all mankind.

Joseph stayed true to God, faithful to Mary, and a wise leader in the home the Saviour grew up in.  He followed Heaven's leading in the many moves he made in the days ahead also.  His would be fine example to follow down the road of your life.

Hi everyone.  Not much to write about today.  It was a much cooler day here yesterday and it is 31 degrees here now but suppose to go up to 61 degrees today.  The housekeepers will be here this morning and will help Pat finish her Christmas decorations.  She got a lot of that done yesterday although had to push herself to do it a little at a time.  She was feeling somewhat better from her cold.  My Monday Men's Lunch group are going to the new Olive Garden that opened a few days ago in our area.  I am looking forward to their soup and salad.  This evening I have a meeting to attend and that will fill out my day.

RuthV, you must be having some extensive work done on your car.  It seems they have had it for quite awhile and expect you feel that way also.  Thanks for sharing your Christmas letter.

Ruth Ann, nice you could attend the christening ceremony. 

Judy and Pat, thanks for sharing the Christmas Carol and the article.

Ah, Cullman, Alabama!  That's where we used to have to get off the interstate when we went south to my husband's family in Anniston, Alabama.  Later when I-65 was finished between Cullman and Birmingham, we would stop in Cullman at the flea market on the west side of the interstate.  Loved their assorted bags of fruit and big bags of whole pecans!  And also the Ave Maria Grotto.  I think that is the name of the grotto...all miniature tour of churches in the olden days.  If you looked close, you might see a green glass window...it was a broken Coke bottle.  Or maybe the stone walk was broken china tea cups. 

There were so many at church yesterday I thought the church was going to collapse!  How wonderful to see all the people and the church didn't collapse! 

Are churches in your area fore-going their Sunday Service next Sunday on Christmas day?  Some are here but not Clarksville Christian Church.  We are having Christmas Eve service AND Christmas Sunday Service.  But no Sunday School.  So if yours is closed, you are welcome to come to Clarksville Christian Church to worship our Lord on His day!

After Sunday School we went to Logan's Steak House for lunch.  Then I went to Dollar General.  I found everything there for my contribution to Ivalou's Christmas dinner so now I don't have to hit the big stores for that!  Also I got some rock salt for when it gets slick outside.

We have been so fortunate so far to not have bad weather...yet!  It is a given..we know it will be here.  Wouldn't it be nice to have a covering snow Christmas Eve and Christmas day?  That would be wonderful....and low gas prices for those who will be traveling on Christmas. 

The rest of yesterday I spent napping, then watching TV and crocheting.  My yellow-to-orange Chemo Wrap looks beautiful!  So bright and cheery! 

I don't have anywhere to have to go today!  Dreary out so I think I will just stay inside and hibernate! 

Love the Shepherd song.  Love almost every one of the Christmas songs... especially old and traditional.

I was on the phone promptly this morning to fix a mess on my meds - Sunday evening, the drug company called and thankful that they told me a new script would be almost $300.  I told them no, thank you - so had to call dr's office this morning & glory be - I talked to a person to get things straightened out.  Whew! This has been a month of real upsets between drs. office and my prescriptions.  My regular one is only $7 for a three month supply so the $200 plus whatever would be staggering as you can well relate. 

This is so funny.  I pressed some back arrows and was reading all the notes and thought I had lost it - my mind.  Looked at the date and it was way back in 2003 if I remember correctly.  Karmat was there - we miss her. 

Must keep slugging away here.  Keep well everyone.  There seems to be a lot of coughing going around. 

Today is one of those days I wish I could have hybernated in bed and enjoyed a good book.  Couldn't happen.

I am glad you are enjoying the carols....I think 2 - 3 a day isn't too much do you?  You can always skip by them......

Baby's room in in process.  Being an old century house the walls needed repair.  That is being done today.

Have a good day and enjoy getting ready for the birthday.

Hi everyone We are back from Portland, had a good visit except for yesterday when I woke up  dizzy, The BPPV with one ear was the problem. However I had to stay laying down until it was time to leave. Keith and the boys prepared breakfast and Keith brought me a plate  and Orange juice downstairs.  I feel better today, however when I went to the gym I couldn't stay long because I was feeling pretty weak so I only did a few on the machines and left after about 10 minutes.

Thank you Don for the wonderful devotional.

Judy when is the baby due? I think you will designe and awesome room for the baby.

Keith's son Craig gave us some photos they took of the baby and a DVD of the pregnancy and birth. Corey gave us an awesome stainless steel designer series programmable  Crockpot.  I had made Banana bread to take up with us then I made Stephanie a pr of earrings and gave her a pendant that Gilbert made for me to take to her.

It's so good to hear from everyone. Today has also been a very busy day, so will wait till tomorrow (ummmm - I see that's actually "later today!!") to give a better report.

Love to everyone,
Ruth Ann

Looks to be a dreary day today in central Indiana.  Raining.  Not cold cold but cool. 

I thought I would get my second Chemo Wrap done but I didn't.  I forgot that each round is more stitches.  I have 6 more rounds and this one will be done also.

Today I am driving Ivalou to her appointment with her Nurse for follow up for her bloodwork last week.  I don't know if we are going to eat or not.  Up to her. 

Then this afternoon I want to go back to Noblesville to the pool and take Chemo Wrap Number 1 to the hospital. 

Hi eveyrone.  Yesterday turned out to be an extremely busy day for me but went very well.  We did enjoy our luncheon at Olive Garden, although it was packed and we had a 30 minute wait to get seated.  When we left about 2:30 yesterday afternoon there were still people waiting to be seated.  This was a bad week to go into the area where the Olive Garden is located as it is on a major traffic lane and it was bumper to bumper.  Fortunately, I just had to cross it at a light.  Today should be much lighter.  I stopped at the bank this morning to get cash for some gifts and have a meeting to attend later this morning and then should have the rest of the day free.  Pat is taking her sewing machine to be serviced at the quilt shop before they go out of business. The housekeepers were able to help Pat finish up the decorating and put away the boxes that hold all the things to decorate.  I must admit the house looks very nice and ready for Christmas.  We have a few packages to wrap and then should be pretty well ready except preparing some food. Pat is feeling better today from her cold and also from the little gout attack she experienced yesterday.

Etta Sue, wonderful to see a packed church.  Our church is not experiencing that problem.  Our church is having services on Christmas Day as well as two Christmas Eve services.  I do not plan on attending this next Sunday as we are having the family in and they are here for such a short time.  My son did call to ask whether they could come over a bit early Sunday.  I also Pat will need some assistance in preparing the food and table for the day.  We have a tradition of finger type foods rather than a formal meal.  However, we did get a couple of hams to bake for sandwiches and will have other goodies as well.  No one will leave hungry.

Carol, you have had a terrible time with your meds recently.  Hope this gets things straightened out. 

Judy, the time frame is short for posting the Christmas Carols so I think it is great you are posting more than one a day.

Marilyn, sure hope you are feeling more chipper today.  That was not a good way to end a nice visit. 

Ruth Ann, you sure posted early this morning or should I say night.  I see you and Judy both posting in the very, very early AM.

Yes Larry I am feeling more "chipper" today, I am back from the gym and had a real good workout., makes a person feel great.  We went to pick up our meds last evening, when we got home I realized that on of mine had a discrepancy in the instructions saying to take one daily on Monday and Thursday. There were only 24 pills in the bottle for 90 days. I called my doctor's office this morning and they will get it straightened out.

Well hi everybody.  Nothing new here.  Supposed to have an appointment with the urologist tomorrow, and hope he will do enough so that this catheter can be removed.  Then, with physical therapy, I shoulc be able to go home.  Ah, how great that would be!!!

Yeaterday was a difficult day for Kassie and I.  My nephew posted this verse on face book and even though they are may favourite verses I certainly was not "Thinking on these things."

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true,
whatever things are noble,
whatever things are just,
whatever things are pure,
whatever things are lovely,
whatever things are of good report,
if there is any virtue and
if there is anything praiseworthy—
meditate on these things.

How easy it is to become bent out of shape, and to forget this verse.

It looks like we are going to have a white Christmas for the first time in the 16 years we have been here. So this song is appropriate.

Good Morning AL  So good to see you on site today.  May God bless you both as we continue through this Christmas season.  God bless you and Know here in the north you are being prayed for!!!

Hi, friends, after putting close to 600 miles on the car and me Sunday and yesterday, I "got permission from myself" to rest in until very late today.

Sunday was such a wonderful day with my grandson and his family while the baby was being christened, then afterward in the church's fellowship hall with homemade chili with all the trimmings (made by my grandson himself) and then a homemade chocolate pie made by one of my grandson's wife's family members. How great to be loved and accepted by all of them.

Then, yesterday was a fast trip to Chattanooga to meet my daughter in law and little granddaughter who brought a complete Christmas for that grandma and her 2 grandchildren who live under such difficult circumstances. Fortunately this year, they will have a WONDERFUL Christmas, and it will be peaceful, with those causing so many sorrows and worries being safely away until past Christmas Day.

Now, it's time to go to WalMart to pick up an online purchase that came in for pickup yesterday. Then, maybe a bit of pizza before returning home.

It's cloudy and drizzly today, but temps are in the 50s, so it won't be too bad weather to travel. The WalMart trip will be about 24 miles round trip.

Love to everyone, and I'll be back soon! :)

Ruth Ann

Hi Al Willa tells me that her Son In Law George Kauffman has been in to visit with you. He isn't doing very well and  needs lots of prayer. It will be  so nice if you can go home. Praying for ya bro.

Hi everyone.  I just watched a beautiful and meaningful video that I thought you all might enjoy.  It is about 12 minutes long but the story is beautiful and the scenery breath taking.  A beautiful movie please watch to the very end !!  Sound on please.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/YBIwCdvhgX4?rel=0 (http://www.youtube.com/embed/YBIwCdvhgX4?rel=0)

Al, so good to see your posting and know the days must be very long for you but you can look forward to getting home. 

Ruth Ann, your continued good work for others is truly inspiring.  Give yourself the gift of rest.

Judy, it is interesting that your haven't had a white Christmas since you have lived where you do.  Maybe this will be the year. 

Marilyn, sure nice to read that you are feeling better today.

Would you believe that our middle son called this morning and said something in the order of ,"mom, I was just thinking about the peanut brittle you used to make at Christmas".   Children always and forever.... so after 4 grocery stores, I have enough raw Spanish peanuts to cook in the karo syrup.  Needed 8 cups of the peanuts to make enough for the four families.  Good grief.  Love the children! Just finished cleaning my sewing area and packing. 

Larry:  Sad news when a quilt shop closes because there are very few new ones to take its place.  Yes, the traffic is insane - parking lots are almost the worst places.  Will check out the movie now.

Al:  My prayers are that you get home very soon - I will root for Christmas.

Judy:  I wasn't even thinking about a baby coming to your house until you mentioned working on a room.  When is the due date?  We have a white Christmas here & a bit more is expected - children are sliding on the hills & it looks like a lot of fun.

Marilyn:  My cousin has a problem with vertigo usually when she is under stress & when her company comes and stays for two and three weeks at a time.  She forgets the exercises and it happens again. 

Ruth Ann:  It is very nice that yourself let you have permission for a nap.   ;)

Hmmm..........seems I haven't been getting my email notifications again, so I got behind in here!

I have read all and am caught up now.  Will check out the video tomorrow, as I am falling asleep on my keyboard now.

I did lots of cleaning today; the workmen weren't here.  At least now my dining table looks Christmas-y!  I just couldn't stand not having anything of Christmas in sight!

We had a wonderful 10 inch snow, were snowed in until the road grader came by and then our renter came and shoveled tracks through the driveway so I could get out.  Bless him, Lord!

Mary headed back toward Dallas yesterday morning; I am wondering how far she got.  I tried calling, no answer!

I'm heading to bed, will be back tomorrow!

Hi everyone.  A rainy morning in Georgia and 58 degrees.  I am certainly not complaining when I see all the snow out across the country.  Today is Bible Study day but I don't think Pat will be going as she is still fighting the cough from the cold and felt it wouldn't be wise to get out and get wet in the rain.  If she doesn't go I probably will skip the coffee time at Dunkin' Donut and just come on home.  I have no other particular plans for the day so will just work at a leisurely pace.  Yesterday when I came home from coffee Pat said her laptop was doing strange things.  The screen was there but nothing worked.  We quickly figured out it was her mouse that she had worn out.  I had another one handy so plugged it in and she was back in business.  She gives a mouse hard use as plays a lot of games with a lot of mouse clicking.

Carol, you are a good mother making your family peanut brittle.  Pat used to make it but hasn't for a long time.  We use to have a recipe to make it in the microwave and it worked very well.  I did have some peanut brittle on Saturday when a friend gave me several pieces.  Having company come and stay for two or three weeks sort of fits my classification of a boarder without paying rent.

Janet, I was wondering about you and all the snow in the midwest.  It sounds like you got a good one.

Time to leave for morning coffee at McDonalds.

I was wondering...has anyone heard from Mieka lately?  I even checked on FB to see if she was on there and didn't find her.  Just wondering.  I miss her jolly posts! 

Today I am taking Ivalou for groceries after we eat at Woody's.  Then Tony called and came by for a chat!  Love that! 

I told Ivalou I would be at her house at 1pm so I had better get going!  Takes awhile to get a coat on and walk to the road and to her house.  It rained all night and the yard is sloshy!  They sun was shining for maybe 10 seconds but cloudy once again!

Good Afternoon everyone. I hope you are all having a very blessed day. I have been to have my nails done, to the gym and to Dollar Tree for a few things. I made a batch of Rocky Road Fudge in between the Gym and going to the mall.

We will be going to California on Saturday and back home on Monday. The dogs will be boarded again. I don't think they are going to like that again so soon.

Janet I was worried about the blizzard conditions  around your home. Glad you checked in, good to see you.

Tiny peanut brittle burn on my little finger - gosh, how that did hurt.  I have only made two batches & stopped to set the dining room up.  Things are all on track. Snow is arriving today & tomorrow.  I saw pictures of Garden City, Kansas and that is close enough to Janet.  Yes, we always need the moisture & snow is a slow melt so that is good. 

Marilyn:  Rocky Road Fudge sounds wonderful. 

Larry:  My cousin & her husband are so booked that they can barely find time to visit with her own relatives.  I find it hard to like especially two couples who phone and say they are coming & then they don't want to drive around so they are chauffeured all over for yes, two or three weeks.  What are you doing for Christmas weekend?  We have everyone here Friday night and go to one son's house on Sat night and Sunday afternoon is another son's house. 

People are stealing packages around here and we are waiting for two things.  Ugh   

Etta Sue I have been wondering about her too for some time now.

This is just a story.  But it is also a good reminder.  Thank you RuthV

CHRISTMAS AT THE GAS STATION!






-The old man sat in his gas station on a cold Christmas Eve. He
hadn't been anywhere in years since his wife had passed away. It was
just another day to him. He didn't hate Christmas, just couldn't find
a reason to celebrate.
He
was sitting there looking at the snow that had been falling for the
last hour and wondering what it was all about when the door opened
and a homeless man stepped through.

Instead of throwing the man out, Old George as he was known by his
customers, told the man to come and sit by the heater and warm up.
"Thank you, but I don't mean to intrude," said the stranger. "I see
you're busy, I'll just go."

"Not without something hot in your belly." George said.

He turned and opened a wide mouth Thermos and handed it to the stranger.
"It
ain't much, but it's hot and tasty. Stew ... Made it myself. When
you're done, there's coffee and it's fresh."

Just at that moment he heard the "ding" of the driveway bell. "Excuse
me, be right back," George said. There in the driveway was an old '53
Chevy.
Steam
was rolling out of the front. The driver was panicked. "Mister can
you help me!" said the driver, with a deep Spanish accent. "My wife
is with child and my car is broken." George opened the hood. It was
bad. The block looked cracked from the cold, the car was dead.

"You ain't going in this thing," George said as he turned away.

"But Mister, please help ..." The door of the office closed behind
George as he went inside. He went to the office wall and got the keys
to his old truck, and went back outside. He walked around the
building, opened the garage, started the truck and drove it around to
where the couple was waiting. "Here, take my truck," he said. "She
ain't the best thing you ever looked at, but she runs real good."

George helped put the woman in the truck and watched as it sped off
into the night. He turned and walked back inside the office. "Glad I
gave 'em the truck, their tires were shot too. That 'ol truck has
brand new ." George thought he was talking to the stranger, but the
man had gone. The Thermos was on the desk, empty, with a used coffee
cup beside it. "Well, at least he got something in his belly," George
thought.

George went back outside to see if the old Chevy would start. It
cranked slowly, but it started. He pulled it into the garage where
the truck had been. He thought he would tinker with it for something
to do. Christmas Eve meant no customers. He discovered the the block
hadn't cracked, it was just the bottom hose on the radiator. "Well,
shoot, I can fix this," he said to himself. So he put a new one on.

"Those tires ain't gonna get 'em through the winter either." He took
the snow treads off of his wife's old Lincoln. They were like new and
he wasn't going to drive the car anyway.

As he was working, he heard shots being fired. He ran outside and
beside a police car an officer lay on the cold ground. Bleeding from
the left shoulder, the officer moaned, "Please help me."

George helped the officer inside as he remembered the training he had
received in the Army as a medic. He knew the wound needed attention.
"Pressure to stop the bleeding," he thought. The uniform company had
been there that morning and had left clean shop towels. He used those
and duct tape to bind the wound. "Hey, they say duct tape can fix
anythin'," he said, trying to make the policeman feel at ease.

"Something for pain," George thought. All he had was the pills he
used for his back. "These ought to work." He put some water in a cup
and gave the policeman the pills. "You hang in there, I'm going to
get you an ambulance."


The phone was dead. "Maybe I can get one of your buddies on that
there talk box out in your car." He went out only to find that a
bullet had gone into the dashboard destroying the two way radio.

He went back in to find the policeman sitting up. "Thanks," said the
officer. "You could have left me there. The guy that shot me is still
in the area."

George sat down beside him, "I would never leave an injured man in
the Army and I ain't gonna leave you." George pulled back the bandage
to check for bleeding. "Looks worse than what it is. Bullet passed
right through 'ya.
Good thing it missed the important stuff though. I think with time
your gonna be right as rain."

George got up and poured a cup of coffee. "How do you take it?" he asked.

"None for me," said the officer.

"Oh, yer gonna drink this. Best in the city. Too bad I ain't got no
donuts." The officer laughed and winced at the same time.

The front door of the office flew open. In burst a young man with a gun.
"Give me all your cash! Do it now!" the young man yelled. His hand
was shaking and George could tell that he had never done anything
like this before.

"That's the guy that shot me!" exclaimed the officer.

"Son, why are you doing this?" asked George, "You need to put the
cannon away. Somebody else might get hurt."

The young man was confused. "Shut up old man, or I'll shoot you, too.
Now give me the cash!"

The cop was reaching for his gun. "Put that thing away," George said
to the cop, "we got one too many in here now."

He turned his attention to the young man. "Son, it's Christmas Eve.
If you need money, well then, here. It ain't much but it's all I got.
Now put that pea shooter away."

George pulled $150 out of his pocket and handed it to the young man,
reaching for the barrel of the gun at the same time. The young man
released his grip on the gun, fell to his knees and began to cry.
"I'm not very good at this am I? All I wanted was to buy something
for my wife and son," he went on. "I've lost my job, my rent is due,
my car got repossessed last week."

George handed the gun to the cop. "Son, we all get in a bit of
squeeze now and then. The road gets hard sometimes, but we make it
through the best we can."

He got the young man to his feet, and sat him down on a chair across
from the cop. "Sometimes we do stupid things." George handed the
young man a cup of coffee. "Bein' stupid is one of the things that
makes us human. Comin'
in
here with a gun ain't the answer. Now sit there and get warm and
we'll sort this thing out."

The young man had stopped crying. He looked over to the cop. "Sorry I
shot you. It just went off. I'm sorry officer."

"Shut up and drink your coffee " the cop said.

George could hear the sounds of sirens outside. A police car and an
ambulance skidded to a halt. Two cops came through the door, guns drawn.
"Chuck! You ok?" one of the cops asked the wounded officer.

"Not bad for a guy who took a bullet. How did you find me?"

"GPS locator in the car. Best thing since sliced bread. Who did this?"
the
other cop asked as he approached the young man.

Chuck answered him, "I don't know. The guy ran off into the dark.
Just dropped his gun and ran."

George and the young man both looked puzzled at each other.

"That guy work here?" the wounded cop continued.

"Yep," George said, "just hired him this morning. Boy lost his job."

The paramedics came in and loaded Chuck onto the stretcher. The young
man leaned over the wounded cop and whispered, "Why?"

Chuck just said, "Merry Christmas boy .. and you too, George, and
thanks for everything."

"Well, looks like you got one doozy of a break there. That ought to
solve some of your problems."

George went into the back room and came out with a box. He pulled out
a ring box. "Here you go, something for the little woman. I don't
think Martha would mind. She said it would come in handy some day."

The young man looked inside to see the biggest diamond ring he ever saw.
"I
can't take this," said the young man. "It means something to you."

"And now it means something to you," replied George. "I got my memories.
That's all I need."

George reached into the box again. An airplane, a car and a truck
appeared next. They were toys that the oil company had left for him
to sell.
"Here's
something for that little man of yours."

The young man began to cry again as he handed back the $150 that the
old man had handed him earlier.

"And what are you supposed to buy Christmas dinner with? You keep
that too,"
George said. "Now git home to your family."

The young man turned with tears streaming down his face. "I'll be
here in the morning for work, if that job offer is still good."

"Nope. I'm closed Christmas day," George said. "See ya the day after."

George turned around to find that the stranger had returned. "Where'd
you come from? I thought you left?"

"I have been here. I have always been here," said the stranger. "You
say you don't celebrate Christmas. Why?"

"Well, after my wife passed away, I just couldn't see what all the
bother was. Puttin' up a tree and all seemed a waste of a good pine tree.
Bakin'
cookies like I used to with Martha just wasn't the same by myself and
besides I was gettin' a little chubby."

The stranger put his hand on George's shoulder. "But you do celebrate
the holiday, George. You gave me food and drink and warmed me when I
was cold and hungry. The woman with child will bear a son and he will
become a great doctor.

The policeman you helped will go on to save 19 people from being
killed by terrorists. The young man who tried to rob you will make
you a rich man and not take any for himself. "That is the spirit of
the season and you keep it as good as any man."

George was taken aback by all this stranger had said. "And how do you
know all this?" asked the old man.

"Trust me, George. I have the inside track on this sort of thing. And
when your days are done you will be with Martha again."

The stranger moved toward the door. "If you will excuse me, George, I
have to go now. I have to go home where there is a big celebration
planned."

George watched as the old leather jacket and the torn pants that the
stranger was wearing turned into a white robe. A golden light began
to fill the room.

"You see, George ... it's My birthday. Merry Christmas."

George fell to his knees and replied, "Happy Birthday, Lord Jesus"

Merry Christmas!!

This story is better than any greeting card.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND GOD BLESS!

Hi everyone.  We had a rainy day yesterday but it was warm.  We are expecting more of the same today with it suppose to get up to about 74 degrees where I live.  Other than coffee this morning my schedule is clear for the day unless Pat decides there is something she needs me to do.  She wanted to read me her list yesterday but I graciously declined.  However, that won't change the situation but just delay it.  She did make fudge yesterday but added too much marshmallow creme and it looks like blond fudge.  However, it still tastes good.  This morning at coffee at McDonald's we are giving the lady who takes care of the dining area in the mornings and treats us go kindly a nice monetary gift to show our appreciation.  She knows each of us by name, comes and checks on us each morning to see if we need a refill and take any trays away to dump the trash.  She is just a very nice person who is a joy to be around. 

Etta Sue, it has been a long time since Mieka participated with us here on the Internet. 

Marilyn, you have a busy weekend planned with your trip to California.  I like rocky road anything and just last night had some really good rocky road ice cream made by Turkey Hill. 

Carol, that hot liquid of peanut brittle sounds very painful.  However, I bet the candy is delicious.  How many batches are you having to make?  Hope you all don't get snowed in for Christmas.  We are just having our son, DIL, daughter and the friend of our DIL's, who had no place to go to be with friends or family, here for Christmas day.  We have a pretty laid back Christmas with a nice finger-food type meal and then after cleanup we open our packages.  We are looking forward to the day.  I will pick our daughter up on Saturday and take her home on Monday so she will be with us for two nights.  What a shame that people are stealing packages.  It has always worried me to see UPS or others leave packages outside the door or in front of the garage.  So far have never lost anything.

Judy, that is a good story reminding us of the reason for the season.

Well, just five days after finishing the first Chemo Wrap, I finished another one.  Now I have started another yellow/orange one but this time I am going from dark to light instead of light to dark.  I posted it on FB for all my FB friends!

Today is Euchre at a restaurant.  Jane just called and said she would pick me up at 10:45am.  Better get dressed!!

I just viewed the video called 7% only and it has a very good message.  I thought of you all when I viewed it.  Here is the link of the video called "Seven Percent Only":   http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=ko_VSKn1DAE&%3Bvq=medium (http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=ko_VSKn1DAE&%3Bvq=medium)

Hello everyone!  I am finally back!  Diane and Abby were here on Tuesday evening, and shortly after they left, my phone rang, and it was Abby.  She was calling to tell me that they saw 13 deer in the field near our house!  Wow, that's a lot.

The streets in our little town are terrible.  We had thought we'd go to Garden City to finish our shopping today, but really didn't want to go, and didn't know if they clear their streets better than here...anyway, we stayed home.  I wrapped all the gifts I have yesterday, and have a little something for everyone.  We told them all we were cutting way down on the buying this year, and we surely have.  I would rather give to those in need than just buy for the sake of giving to my loved ones who already have so much.  I know they will understand.

Etta Sue, you are really making fast progress on those Chemo Wraps!  What a blessing...God bless you!

Hi, Marilyn.  Hope your hand is better.

Carol, I know that hot syrup would make such a painful burn!  Ouch!  Bet the peanut brittle is delicious, though.  Lucky "kids."

Judy, thanks for the Christmas music.  Hope all is well at your house.

I wish we could hear from sweet Mieka, too.  I miss her and pray all is well with her.  She seems to have made an indelible impression on all of us here.  Pat, do you ever hear anything from her?

Ruth Ann, are you getting to take it a little easier now?  I hope so!

Hello, Larry.  Thank you for those two videos you posted links to, I watched and enjoyed them so much!

We have decided to stay home on Christmas eve, and have supper with just us and Beth and John.  The rest of the family are going to Curtis' house, which has very high, steep steps, and there is no way to get Beth into it.  I don't want to leave them here alone, so we will just stay here and have a more peaceful evening.  On Sunday, we are cooking the dinner, and it will either be here--if the cabinets are nearer to being finished--or at Diane's, if not.  Both our church and theirs are having short morning services with communion.

The first proof of my book is on its way to me!!  I am SO EXCITED!! It seems like it has been such a long time, but not as long as is usual, they tell me!  It should arrive while John is still here!  Thank you, Jesus!

I got to see a photo of the complete cover--front, spine and back, and now I know the price they put on it.  (It is $14.99)  Beth says she hopes we sell a million copies!   ;)

I need to address a few more cards.  See you later!

Judy is having computer problems and asked me to post this beautiful Christmas Hymn - my absolute favorite!

I had a long "to do" list today.  All items are done but tomorrow there is another "list".  By making a list I find i am more organized.

Thank you Jeanne for the Carol.  One of my favourites as well.

Janet you have snow.....and we are having a green/brown Christmas!

Etta Sue you are really moving at those wraps!

Larry my internet isn't fast or reliable enough to watch a video.  My frustration level with my provider and dial-up is increasing.   To get High speed I have to go with Satelite and pay 350 before they even come to the house to see if it will work here.  Every provider we have talked to have quoted the same prices.  They are all in cahoots I think!

Everyone I have missed I have read your posts.  God bless you tonight and in the coming days as we ponder our Lords birth.

My 'proof' book was mailed today!  Now, I just have to go over it with a fine toothed comb, looking for typos, etc. sign a final approval, order books......and should have them in hand in about four weeks!!  YIPPEE!!

Hi everyone.  We had an interesting evening with tornado watches all over the area, heavy rains and continual TV news coverage of the storm with some pretty sophisticated new weather equipment that is pretty amazing.  Fortunately, our area was spared the high winds and brunt of the storm with only some pretty heavy rain.  Today should be a lot brighter.  It got ot 70 or above yesterday, which tied the record set in the 1800's for warmest on that date.  Nothing to talk about yesterday other than it was an enjoyable day.  Today should be equally as quiet.  I do have a few packages to wrap and I am sure Pat will do a few other things in preparation for Christmas as is having to spread things out in order to accomplish them.  We are going to have the Christmas meal in our dining room.  We haven't used that room for dining in a long while.  We have the table all ready with the cloth and decorations.  Other than coffee at the senior center in a few minutes there is nothing else I know I have to do today that requires me being away from the house.

Janet, one time when we were trying back through Iowa we saw a large heard of dear in a field along side the road.  Needless to say I slowed way down so would be able to stop if one or more of them decided to cross the road.  It was quite a sight.  We are like you in that our gifts are smaller and only one or two for each person.  It is the getting together that is the important part of Christmas and not the gifts--at least that is how I see it.  What a Christmas gift to you to get to see your new book in book format.  I hope you sell a million copies of the book as well.  Will it be available on Amazon?  I should think it would be the editor's and proofreaders job to spot any typos. 

Judy, that price to see if you can get satellite would be a stopper for me as well.  I think you do very well with the dial-up.  However, I sure would hate to go back to it. 

Janet, what a great Christmas present to get the first proof of your book!   :thumbsup:   :cheer:

Judy, $350!!!  That sounds outrageous.   :yikes:  It would sure put a stop to me getting any hook up.

Yesterday was a full and wonderful one for me.  First my new washing machine was delivered and installed right on schedule and I began catching up with accumulated laundry.   Then a quick "lick and a promise" for the house before a blessed visit from my pastor and one of our deacons.  All in all, a very satisfactory day.

And this morning, after a J night,  the predicted snow turned out to be rain.

God is good.   :yes:

A Season of Wonder         

Today's Scripture:  Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple ... She was eighty-four years old.  She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night,          worshipping God with fasting and prayer.  She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God.  She talked about Jesus to everyone who had been waiting for the promised King to come and deliver Jerusalem

(Luke 2:36-38, NLT).

Point to Ponder:  Dear God, I think about You sometimes even when I'm not praying.  Elliott

-Letter from a Sunday school child

Today's Prayer:   My soul and all its powers Thine, wholly Thine shall be;  All, all my happy hours I consecrate to Thee.    –Charles Wesley

These are a bit late due to my eye surgery but... better late than never.  We've found them so interesting and enlightening in our morning devotionals.




"And she brought forth her first born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."  Luke 2:7

I have done a little traveling in my days as a full-time evangelist.  I fly most of the time to meetings and have for many years.  Usually the pastor or church has secured my accommodations well in advance.  However, I have driven to meetings and left after the last service and driven until I couldn't stay awake.  I have then started to search for a hotel room.  Well, you know how that could be, "NO VACANCY" signs flashing their unwelcome message!

Mary and Joseph came slowly into Bethlehem and could not locate suitable lodging.  My thought this day of Christmas focuses on the hostelry business and the innkeepers of the little town of Bethlehem.  I know the town was full because of the taxation, but where was the sympathy for a couple about to become THREE?  I would think Joseph would have explained to the managers of these middle eastern motels that his bride was about to give birth.

Finally, they find a somewhat compassionate host and end up in the stable!  How do you think that innkeeper felt if he ever discovered Who was born there in his barn?  What do you suppose the other keepers of inns used as excuses later to describe their "No Room" for the Messiah mania?  Lot of people today seem to have "No Room" for Jesus Christ.  No room in their busy schedules and business practices.  No room in their personal lives or the problems encountered.  To have no room in your heart for Him, will one day conclude with no room in Heaven for you.  He came to a manger that you might one day dwell in a mansion!  (cf John 14:2)

I wanna book!  I wanna book!  Order one for me and let me know how to pay for it!  Can't wait to read a book that I know the author!!

Euchre was fun yesterday at a restaurant!   No fuss.  No clean up.  We paid for our lunches and then played cards!  I was home by 5pm.  Great! 

Then it was TV and crocheting.  My 3rd Chemo Wrap is about 10 inches wide.  It starts fast...then slows down the bigger it gets! 

I got a surprise today.  My neighbor across the road called and then brought a small loaf of Pumpkin Bread to me.  She was on her way to work...a few hours today.  Her and her husband, my first husband and I used to square dance together.  That was before their first child so probably 45 years ago!

Today is partly sunny.  The weather guessers are predicting snow for Christmas.  If I look out and everything is white, then I will know they were right!  Otherwise....

(Trying to catch up!  Hope you are all enjoying these as much as I've been enjoying them)





"And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger."  Luke 2:16

There were shepherds nestled in the Judaean hills, watching their sheep, and probably huddled around flickering, warming camp fires.  Their monotonous midnight was about to become mightily miraculous!  An angel came, his message declared, and then a multitude of the heavenly host began to sing!

In double-time they rushed into Bethlehem, and found themselves staring into the strange light of the stable and the Saviour wrapped in swaddling clothes.  The delivery room was unsterile, but the child there was pure and clean.  The accommodations were not the most comfortable, but the One in the manger would bring comfort to man.  The usual occupants of the barn were lowing and cooing in a cacophony of sound, but the child would bring peace (vs. 14).

What part did these simple shepherds play on the opening night of the eternal Christmas play?  They came as humble, willing adherents to the truths of the heavenly messengers that had been declared to them.  They did not keep the wondrous message of the Messiah to themselves, they spread it to all.  For, "When they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child" (vs. 17).  They also got excited and shared their praise for the blessed event, "And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen,..." (vs. 20).

This season is one of the best times of the year to share and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  People's minds and hearts seem to be open and receptive.  Why not join the shepherds and tell others of the Saviour this Christmas?

A wonderful hymn to accompany this devotional! 

Thanks, Pat, for the ongoing 12 Days of Christmas. 

"And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon:..."  Luke 2:25a
"And there was one Anna, ...gave thanks...and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem."  Luke 2:36a & 38


The actors on the stage today really show up on the eighth day of the babe's life on earth, but they are interesting supporting characters and deserve a day's worth of recognition.

First, we see the sainted, sage, Simeon.  He was a good man and Spirit-filled.  He was "tuned-in" to the Lord's leading and had received by faith the promises of God.  Having been directed by deity to the temple, he observes the desire of his heart—Jesus!  Taking the child from Mary, he exclaims with shouts of joy that his old eyes have seen salvation!  He utters forth a prophecy that will be fulfilled in just three and a third decades concerning this little One.

Next, the comely family encounters an ancient, crone-like lady named Anna.  Anna's fragile voice joins in unison with Simeon and speaks of the young son of Mary as the Redeemer.

What must this young couple have thought about all the "hub-bub" surrounding their baby boy?  Verse 33 of the second chapter of Luke says they marveled at the things which were spoken of Him.  I know we have twenty centuries of church history and a Bible to believe concerning the Christ, but this dear pair must have been flustered and flabbergasted in these opening hours of Jesus residing in their home and family.  I know, if you're saved, the impact of Immanuel abiding in your heart and life has been immeasurable.  Thank God He abides forever with us, yes, God with us (cf. Matt. 1:23).

Etta Sue, your post put a BIG smile on my face!  And I will surely let you know as soon as I get the first shipment of books!  Nice surprise you had with the pumpkin bread.

Larry, eventually the book will be available on Amazon, but for six months, they give the author the right to sell the books, thus giving them a chance to recoup the several thousand dollars paid upfront when the contract was signed.  When they sell on Amazon the author gets a paltry 17c per book.  :(  :-\  So that means I will be doing all I can to promote Rising Above as soon as they are available to me!

It was 2* here when I got up this morning!  It is in the high teens now, I think, but the sun is shining.  I hope the roads will thaw off some, as the streets are really terrible in town, and the KDOT is advising people not to travel anywhere unless absolutely necessary.

We are getting some upper cabinets installed today!  Woo-hoo!!  Maybe we will have a complete kitchen someday yet!

My dear friend Maxine who painted with me for years is turning 95 tomorrow, so they had cakes for her today at the senior center.  She insisted that I take some to Beth and John, which I did.  She is such a sweetheart!

We didn't get mail yesterday, but they sent it out on the routes again today, so I hope they make it here.

Later, peeps!

Ohh, Janet, what a lovely age she has reached!  That's really an accomplishment! 

Is John staying with you while he's there?

We are leaving for California in the morning. Prayers appreciated.

Wonderful messages today. Thankfully, I'm rested enough to get ready to begin enjoying the holiday season tomorrow. :)

It was great to have dinner with friends, and then to pick up and sneakily deliver a little gift to a friend (anonymously - it's so nice doors have doorknobs where a person can hang things). ;)

Pat, we're hoping and praying that your eye surgery recovery time will be brief and successful. We love you.

That book sounds like a wonderful thing, Janet! Count me in, also. At one time I thought I would need to "read" the book by recording, but my eye has stabilized so I should be able to read it page by page.  :thumbsup:

Much love to all of you.

Ruth Ann

We had a wonderful day! First, friends came to help us bring in more wood to keep us warm as the temperatures plummet.

Secondly we had a marvelous dinner at Pastor Larry's house; 10 of us altogether, JudyB and Bonsey included.

Thirdly, my son is coming up from Toronto, for Christmas. He will be here in about an hour and a half. I'll be going out in an hour to fetch him from the bus stop.

Janet, I would also like to get Rising Above from you as soon as you are selling them...... I'm not sure how we will get it to Canada, however I have ordered books from the AbeBooks website, so I don't think there will be any problem. I am very excited for you and Beth!!

A chilly morning, much more like a "normal" December, and not supposed to get very warm during the day.  Light flurries are leaving a dusting of white, and I can imagine the excitement in homes with small children.   :)

"...behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews?..."  Matthew 2:1b and 2b


No, I don't think this is where the song writer got the three French hens from!  Neither do I believe that these sagacious noblemen came to the stable and saw the new born King.  Why?  Because the Bible says they met Him in a house, and Christ is called a young child, not a babe (see vss. 9 and 11).

Obviously, these wise men had met important personages on previous occasions.  (Not excluding Herod, even though I'd like to).  However, I don't think they ever traveled so far and followed a heavenly beacon before encountering the Christ-child that was born in Bethlehem.  This brush with the royalty of Heaven and the Redeemer of ruined men was different.  They were wise beyond their "book-learning" to search for the Saviour.  They were prescient beyond whatever religious training they may have had to worship Him (vs. 11).  Their revelry was expanded beyond its previous borders, when they rejoiced with great joy at the prospect of meeting the tiny, princely Potentate.  And their largesse was exhibited by the loosing of their purse strings in giving Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

At whatever juncture in life you meet Jesus it will be permanently life-changing.  He changes your outlook and your innermost being.  He brings joy, gladness, peace, and forgiveness!  He also opens up new vistas of generosity, and just like any of the wise men, you too will learn the grace of giving, when the presence of the greatest Present ever given is enjoyed by a seeking sinner or a grateful saint.

Thank you Pat..

Light dusting of snow here, very unusual for this time of year.  I have little things to do...but they have accumulated, so it will take more time than expected.

Had a great time at the Pastors last night, visited with friends we don't see often.  And of course RuthV and her hubby and daughter were there.  It was great to spend time with all.

Got to run, be back later.

Last night, the entire family was here - all twelve of us.  If middle son ever gets married, we can be 13.  It was wonderful.  Thank the Lord that everyone is working and all healthy & bright minds.  Am astounded by their top grades and that is a blessing for sure. 

A very poor snow removal here and trash has not come for two days.  We have everything out today in hope they do show.  Sunny and melting today.  We have a dinner with youngest son tonight & all of his wife's family. 

This is such a lovely and peaceful day and tomorrow shall be as well.  Enjoy the peace. 

It certainly doesn't look like Christmas outside my windows.  The sun is shining very bright.  The temperature is 33° with a slight breeze.  The blessing is that the travelers won't have weather challenges to conquer coming 'back home in Indiana'!!  The gas prices will be enough since they raised 40¢ a gallon in the past few days. 

Nothing exciting going on today.  Ivalou, Marge and I will be going to Christmas Eve service this evening.  Maybe Betty if she calls me back.  Then it is up early in the morning for Christmas Sunday Service.  Ivalou won't go tomorrow since Teresa and Doug will be here early tomorrow to help Ivalou with what all she needs help with.  But I am running the projector system. 

Then it is home to make my contribution for dinner at 1pm.  After that we will play games or just vegetate!! 

Carol, I meant to say earlier (but I couldn't post due to my eye surgery) about how happy I was that Don could hear the music at the concert!  That's such wonderful news.  I've been thinking of it ever since.

Hi everyone on this Christmas Eve.  I think we are about ready for tomorrow.  Pat baked the two hams late yesterday afternoon and sliced one and make ham salad from the other as everyone in our family likes it.  I did get the gifts wrapped yesterday morning.  I think Pat has one or two more dishes to get ready but that may have to wait until tomorrow so they will be freshly cooked.  It was a beautiful day here yesterday and suppose to be nice today.  However, tomorrow we have a good probability of rain during the day.  I picked Stacey up at her apartment this morning and we went out to out to lunch rather than try to go out this evening.   

Jeanne, sure it is a relief to finally have your washing machine.  We don't realize how we would miss something like it until we don't have it anymore.

Janet, that payment from Amazon for your book seems terribly small.  Did you have to put up the several thousands of dollars to get it published?  Don't answer if you would rather not but I just wondered as don't know about the publishing process.

I haven't tried to post to everyone today as I was almost two days behind. 

Larry, yes I did have to put up the money upfront, which is why I hope to sell lots of books before Amazon gets them!  ;)  But God is in control; after doing what I can, He will do the rest.  Which doesn't mean I am to run out in front of Him; only that I need to do what I am supposed to do.  I hope you are enjoying a wonderful Christmas with your family.

Beth and John came out for supper.  Darrel made chili, as that was what they wanted.  They chose not to open any gifts tonight, but to wait until tomorrow when the rest of the family will be here.

Carol, we are also twelve, when John is here!  Glad to hear about your wonderful Christmas with family.

Pat, no, John doesn't stay with us.  He did, several times, he has never had to stay in a motel while here; but Beth asked permission for him to stay at the care home in her room.  So he takes my little folding cot, lots of covers, and stays there with her.  In the mornings, he goes into the bathroom, dresses, then comes out here to shower and change, and goes right back to Beth.  He is totally devoted to her.
What kind of eye surgery did you have, Pat?  Was it cataracts?  Darrel will be having cataract surgery on the 27th, so that's coming up really soon!  Then, after both eyes are done, they will do his upper eyelids, as the sagging skin blocks part of his peripheral vision.  Boy!  That will make him look much younger, and even more handsome!  ;)

We haven't gotten any mail for THREE DAYS!!  :ticked:  My proof book is in the mail and should have arrived; otherwise it wouldn't bother me so much.  Phooey.  Whatever happened to "neither snow nor rain nor dark of night......"  I wanted to go pick it up at the PO, but was told it had already gone out on the route again.  Grrrr.

My new kitchen is so beautiful I just want to sit and stare at it!  When Lon asked me how long it took to get what I wanted (or something similar) I told him I never thought I'd have it anywhere near this beautiful (with a big hug and tears.)  Still a lot to do, but it is usable.

Hello to Judy, Marilyn, Gord, Nita, Jane, Ruth, Ruth Ann, Jeanne, and all our other wonderful members.  Merry Christmas and all God's blessings to each of you!

"And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified."  John 12:23
"...I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven."  Luke 10:18b



I know, I know, this is a strange part of the Christmas play to try and portray.  However, I feel it pertinent to present the ultimate antagonist, Satan.  (P.S. Have you ever noticed that when you move a couple of letters around you spell Santa?)  (Just meddling).  ;)

Often in the book of John these phrases are found;  "...The hour is coming..." and, "...his hour is not yet come."  Then in John 12:23, he proclaimed His hour had come!

Ever since the cataclysmic casting out of Lucifer from Heaven, I think Satan's diabolical plan to dethrone Jesus was being formulated.  Now a virgin had conceived.  Perhaps the first attempt on Jesus' life as Son of man was to put in Joseph's mind the thought of putting Mary away privately.  One could surmise the shudder that shook through the corridors of the damned when the Christ was born.  Surely, Herod's demented mass murder of all the children under two was part of the devilish plan of the arch-enemy also.  The devil must have known that embodied in that bald babe in the manger was his final and complete defeat.  The devil's day was ending with every movement of His sainted sinew, and the clock was ticking on his Satanic plan with every breath the young child drew.  The hour had not yet come, but the pendulum of the promise of a Redeemer was pounding in the heart of the little Lad who would confound all the ill-laid plans of the one who fell like lightning from Heaven's glory.

I attended a beautiful Christmas Eve Candlelight Service this evening.  The church was packed!  So many there with all their family!  Love it. 

So now that I am totally in the Christmas spirit...let's go to a new Thoughts for the Week (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=12079.msg169189#msg169189).

That's done.  Now I won't forget tomorrow!