Monthly Archives: December 2011

100 Things About This Year And Other Stuff

I was reading back through some of my old posts. I came across this one and thought I’d spin off a new post, being that it is the last day of the year… That and I felt like

This is apparently the actual ball which will ...

ending the year on a humorous note.

A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22  NIV

So, let’s laugh together…….

1. 2011 was a pretty good year over all.

2. I love living in the country.

3. I think the sky around here is gorgeous.

4. I take a lot of sky pictures.

5. Sky pictures are kind of my thing lately.

6. I’ve collected more antique books.

7. I am fascinated by old history books.

8. Old history books are a great example of how nothing ever stays the same.

9. I’m noticing that I have to dye my hair more frequently than I used to.

10. What is with that?

11. I don’t like gray hair.

12. I still think I am too young for gray hair.

13. I like my new shorter haircut.

14. I wish I looked like I did when I was 23.

15. When everything was where it is supposed to be.

16. Gravity is not my friend.

17. I got a new nail buffer this year. It is so cool.

18. My nails look beautiful.

19. I need a new bed pillow.

20. I want a memory foam pillow. Yes, I do.

21. I have a new Kindle Fire. I am already addicted.

22. I might require an intervention later this year over that.

23. I love to eat eggs for breakfast.

24. My husband and I think we need to get chickens to feed my addiction.

25. I would like fresh eggs.

26. Is it normal to start hearing one’s bones creak when one moves around?

27. Maybe I just shouldn’t listen.

28. I love blogging.

29. I read every comment my readers make.

30. Only one commenter has ever bugged me.

31. I love my family.

32. Even if they are weird.

33. And some days they really are.

34. Just sayin’.

35. Black granite shows fingerprints. A lot.

36. I clean black granite. A lot.

37. As well as stainless steel.  A lot.

38. I enjoy my kitchen.

39. The Amish are wonderful craftsmen.

40. I mention them because they built the kitchen cabinets.

41. I love the family pets.

42. Even when they steal the food bowl and cause some one to track it down somewhere in the yard.

43. Or the field behind the yard.

44. Where do we keep the nail gun?

45. Not that I’d ever nail the bowl to the deck.

46. It was just a thought.

47. I always lose at the ABC game on road trips.

48. I almost always can’t find “K”.

49. I like candles.

50. I would use candles all the time.

51. But, I can’t because I like electricity too much.

52. My son turned 16 in the Spring.

53. I’m now officially old.

54. He is driving a motor vehicle.

55. He is doing a great job.

56. That is more than I can say for my self at that age.

57. My son got Lonnie from the Humane Society this year.

58. Lonnie is a terrier mix extraordinaire.

59. I talk to Lonnie on a regular basis…and he talks back.

60. I love that dog.

61. I am politically conservative.

62. Yes, I watch Fox News.

63. And yes, I like it!

64. I would never run for political office.

65. This is because I wouldn’t want my past delved into.

66. I have to wonder what I was thinking when I was 21-23 years old?!

67. Obviously, not a lot of thinking was going on.

68. I have the ex-boyfriends to prove it.
69. Can I just skip the early 90’s?
70. I occasionally bring out my “Lou-rainne” voice.
71. I’m not schizophrenic.
72. She is my southern mama persona.
73. She says things like “why, that is ugly as home-made sin” and “what are you trying to do? Give your mama a heart attack?”
74. That is what I get for living in the south for over 20 years…that and I can make some killer cornbread and pinto beans.
75. This year I read One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.
76. I love this book. It is one of my favorites. I mean it.
77. I read the book twice and highlighted the really good parts.
78. I’m also rereading Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis.
79. My goal is to read all (or at least a lot) of his writings.
80. If I could have anyone over to dinner (past or present) it would be C.S. Lewis.
81. I love his writing…plus he would have a British accent which I also love. Just sayin’.
82. The weather in 2011 was wild.
83. It rained so much in the Spring I thought I saw Noah’s ark in one of the fields.
84. I actually have 20/20 vision.
85. That is thanks to Lasik‘s.
86. I’m glad I don’t live in a hurricane, tornado, earthquake zone.
87. I felt badly for those who did. I sometimes cry when watching the news.
88. I’m concerned for our nation’s future.
89. Washington is full of people who don’t have a clue about the “average Joe”.
90. I think one must lose brain cells if they work on the Hill. That is my political commentary.
91. Friendship is important.
92. No matter how old one gets.
93. Laughter feels always feels better…and looks better too. Unless it causes you to get the hiccups or your eyes start to water…then, not so much. Laugh anyway.
94. God is sovereign and He IS in control.There is peace in that.
95. I don’t always understand God…and that is okay. There is not a test, after all.
96. His grace is still amazing.
97. I am grateful Jesus loves me. I love Him back.
98. I have much to give thanks for in 2011.
99. I’m sure I will in 2012, also….because I choose it.
100. Life continues on in A.D. 2012…The Year Of Our Lord. Amen.
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You’ve Made The World Smaller

English: Regions of the world for the Blu-ray ...

Brown eyes and brown hair. Black hair and eyes the color of ebony. Blonde hair and blue eyes. White hair, no hair. Fair skin, dark skin, and skin the color of latte’. Male and female. Young and old and those just starting to get wrinkles. College educated and graduates of the school of life. Blue collar, white collar and no collars. Big families, small families and no families.

United States and Canada, Mexico and Central America. The Caribbean. Europe and Iceland, Russia and India. Southeast Asia and Japan. The land down under of Australia and New Zealand.

The world can seem like such a big place and makes it easy to feel very small…..and yet, blogging has drawn all nationalities and cultures into my circle.

To me. Here. In my kitchen. The people of the world.

If you were to meet me in person, you would probably find me rather average looking. A wife and mother in her early 40’s. Green-gray eyes and a big smile. Like most, I’ve experienced highs and lows throughout my 43 years. Some days are better than others. I’ve laughed out loud and have also wept bitterly. I’ve known love and had my heart broken.

I am unique and yet the same.

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”  Matthew 22:37-39  NIV

As this year comes to an end…I wanted to thank you, my readers, for reading.

For leaving comments.

For touching my life.

You are my neighbors from down the block, and around the world,

and I am grateful for each of you.
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How Will You Answer?

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”……….  Mark 8:29 NIV

When Christmas is over and the decorations are taken down….  “Who do you say I am?”

When the hard parts of life weigh heavy on the soul… “Who do you say I am?”

When the day breaks forth with brilliant sun and everything in life fits neatly in order…  “Who do you say that I am?”

When the night is bathed in gorgeous moonlight….  “Who do you say that I am?”

When your spouse longs to spend time with you…  “Who do you say that I am?”

When your spouse can’t stand to be in the same room with you… “Who do you say that I am?”

When you look in the mirror and see your own reflection…  “Who do you say that I am?”

When you carry the burden of untold secrets….  “Who do you say that I am?”

When you laugh in pure joy and life is sweet…  “Who do you say that I am?”

When the tears fall and life is one short stop from the pit….  “Who do you say that I am?”

When all is good or all is bad or there is mix of both…..  “Who do you say that I am?”

This question each of us will have to answer. No one else can answer it for you– the question is for you alone.

The question that longs to be answered…and needs to be answered.

Peter told Jesus…… “You are the Christ.”  Mark 8:29 NIV

How will you answer?


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Ready To Begin

New year light

Yesterday was the long drive back home. My family and I spent this past week visiting with relatives that live in another state. It was heartwarming, fun, and memories were made. Today will be the business of getting back into a routine, unpacking a weeks worth of clothes and starting laundry. I’ve already begun to think about this coming weekend and the beginning of a new year. These few days of the old, always seems to hold such promise. What will the new year bring? Excitement? Personal gain? Love?  New friendships? Sadness? Tragedy? One just never knows. For me, the new year always holds excitement mixed with a little apprehension. It’s the not knowing that makes me pause.

I’m not much into New Years resolutions. I think they cause too much pressure. I’m the type to write goals out on a daily and weekly basis anyway.

I don’t require a big hooplah over resolutions. More than that, I think back on the year. What has happened? How did I react? Am I happy with the part I played in 2011? Would I like to make some changes? What worked and more importantly what didn’t?

This year I’ve learned the art of being thankful. I’m still learning…and, I suppose I will continue to learn the lessons of thankfulness until I take my last breath on this side of Heaven. One would think being thankful would be easier considering how much there is to be thankful for. Why is it that most of the time we see the holes in our lives, the less than, the lacking, the unfortunate….and we concentrate on those things? Why not focus on all that is good in life? Really, there is so very much. Thankfulness continues to be my goal as I begin a new year…not as a resolution that will fade from existence by the first of February…but, a resolve to see all the ways that I am blessed.

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Fall On Your Knees

Nativity scene at Sacred Heart Catholic Church...

A million things to do. My to do list is overflowing.

I’m running around like I’m in a mad race.

STOP. BREATHE. SLOW DOWN.

Why is it that we, especially as women, feel we must have everything under control? Striving so hard to get it all done…

Forgetting about what is truly important, only for what is just urgent.

And the song coming from my computer,

shocks me back into the reality of Christmas.

“O Holy Night“

O Holy night, the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Til He appeared and the soul felt it’s worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees

O hear the angel voices
O night divine!
O night when Christ was born
O night divine!
O night, O night divine!

And in His Name, all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
Let all within us praise his holy name
Christ is the Lord!

The words……fall on your knees…….let all within us praise His holy name……

And I stare at the nativity that I bought just a couple of weeks ago.

Why don’t I remember?

Why is it so easy to forget in the hustle and bustle of this holiday?

Stopping.

Remembering.

Celebrating.

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For A Purpose

Candle light.

God has a plan…

I am part of it…

and so are you.

Each of us is here, at this very time, for a purpose.

There is peace in that.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11  NIV

 

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Thanking God for:

*fresh towels in the dryer

*cheese and crackers

*time spent with my husband

*Christmas shopping

*Fed Ex delivery

*gray, wintery days

*family pictures

*wrapping gifts

*anticipation

*over the river and through the woods…

*relatives

*giggles

*God sent His Son

*Jesus in a manger

*singing Christmas carols

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Saturday At My House

 

Saturday at my house…

 

 

 

 

Ace, patrolling the property, in the snow. Neither rain nor sleet

nor snow can keep him from his rounds.

 

 

 

 

 

What’s all the hoopla about? What more do I need besides a warm bed and the remote control?–Nikki

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You go ahead and decorate, I’ll just watch you from my

cozy pillow. –-Lonnie

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Have a wonderful Saturday, friends, and enjoy the moments.

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Christmas Memories

Christmas Memories

Joy to the World,

sky so bright.

Church lit at night

childhood delight.

Christmas songs,

I’ve known so long.

Family together,

in all kinds of weather.

Jumping up and down,

as snow hits the ground.

Christmas trees,

of all shapes and sizes.

Beautiful packages,

filled full of surprises.

Mom’s special albums,

of Nat King Cole,

Bing, and Sinatra,

their songs don’t grow old.

TV specials,

my sis and I watched.

Charlie Brown, The Grinch

and don’t forget Rudolph!

All these are wonderful,

and dear to my heart.

Memories  mean so much

never to part.

But, above all else

what means the most…

is the proclamation of

the heavenly host.

“Unto you,

a Savior is born.”

With those words, everything changed

from that night on.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 NIV

 

 

 

 

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Thanks, George Bailey!

Iconic screen shot from the movie It's a Wonde...

God speaks in mysterious ways.

Sometimes He speaks to me in ways that are unexpected, other times as a gentle reminder of something I already knew.

I enjoy watching classic movies. I especially like the old black and whites. There is just something about them.

Each Christmas season, I watch movies with my family. While decorating the tree, we always enjoy watching, It’s A Wonderful Life. It has become a family tradition.

This movie hit the big screen in 1946. It wasn’t a smash at the box office, even though actor, Jimmy Stewart, and director, Frank Capra, hailed it as their favorite movie to make. Now, I will be the first to say, It’s A Wonderful Life is a heart warming story, but not biblically accurate. Maybe there is an angel named Clarence, but he didn’t have to earn his wings. Even though scripture reminds us to entertain strangers because they could be angels…

(Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2 NIV)

we don’t have to wonder every time we hear a bell ring.

And yet… even though I’ve seen this movie more times than I can count… I was reminded of something this year.

God reminded me that George Bailey was important. That guy knew his fair share of rough patches, and disappointments. God saw him. God sees each of us. I am important to God. He cares about me and better yet, He loves me. Even when life is rough and I feel depressed or anxious about situations, God is there. He never leaves.

George figured out that it is a wonderful life.

This Christmas, while sitting in my living room, I was reminded of it too.

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalms 118:24

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FaithBarista_Christmas_JamBadge

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Prepare The Way

One of the throne-rooms of the Bavarian King, ...

“A voice of one calling
In the wilderness prepare
   the way for the LORD…”  Isaiah 40:3 NIV

Prepare the way…

The words spoken, hundreds of years before Jesus was born into the world.

The Messiah is coming!

Prepare…

And yet, that night…that busy night in Bethlehem…no one was prepared.

People everywhere…

the census had to be taken.

No place to stay for the night.

Mary gave birth on a bed of hay.

Jesus, the Messiah, came into the world on that night.

He arrived in the dirt and stench of the barnyard animals.

He came because of the dirt and stench of the people.

The multitudes of angels said, “Fear not!”,

to shepherds whose hearts nearly stopped from the scene they were

experiencing.

And the ancient words echo through time—

Prepare the way for the Lord!

Just as Mary and Joseph were in awe of the great responsibility given to them

of raising the Son of God…

Just as the shepherds bowed their heads before the manager throne

of the King…

Shouldn’t we be in awe as we are reminded that the Messiah did not remain

an infant in that humble feeding trough?

Prepare the way for the Lord!

Christ‘s birth was not the beginning, just as His death and resurrection were not the end.

He’s coming back.

And the echo of the words ring through to each of us…

Prepare the way for the Lord!

Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”   John 8:58 

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