Sunday, December 30, 2007

Reflections, Memories and New Beginnings


First I want to give a big welcome to a friend that has just joined the blogging world - welcome to my good friend Sheri.

Secondly I want to talk about our church service today.

Today is the last day of church in our old sanctuary. We have been in the process of building a new church that sits adjacent to our old sanctuary and it is now completed. If you would like to visit our website and see the building pictures, here in the link, it is Church of the Nations.

Today was our last service in the old sanctuary, which, as of next week, will become our new youth meeting area. Anyway, today was both exciting and reflective as we had some former worship leaders lead us in song and also many people from the congregation share how the Lord had ministered to them over the years in and through our church. It was very neat to hear all the testimonies.

We have been talking a lot about this next year being a year of new beginnings. The number eight in the Bible is the number that represents new beginnings. We feel it is significant that we are starting a new beginning in a new building in the year 2008.

I was overwhelmed by the Lord's presence during our worship time today. We sang many songs, some newer and many older but one that touched me today in a special way is the song "Shout to the Lord" that Darlene Zschech sings. I was singing the song and worshipping and I just was thinking about the words:

"Shout to the Lord, all the earth let us sing,
Power and majesty, praise to the King,
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
at the sound of Your name.
I sing for joy at the work of His hands,
Forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand,
Nothing compares to the promise
I have in You."

I was struck by all of the things that my husband and I have experienced over the years. We were in ministry for many years and there were many joyful and glorious times and yet many hurtful and hard times that we went through. I remembered when my husband was diagnosed with cancer and I was pregnant with our first child. I was very afraid. I remembered us having to live with his parents at one point, because we didn't have a job. I remembered when our son was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes and the horror of knowing that we would have to fight the disease everyday. All those memories came rushing into my mind and I was struck by the words, "nothing compares to the promise I have in You." Lord, nothing compares, nothing difficult, nothing joyful, nothing at all compares to what You have done and are going to continue to do on this earth and in my life and the lives of my family.

I was reminded of the verse in Romans 8 that says, "For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

I am excited for all the Lord has for us in the new year of 2008. But, it is as several people said today during the testimony time; we have to make a commitment to Him. He is ready to act on our behalf and bless us, but He is waiting for each of us to run into His open arms.

Are you ready for new beginnings in your life? It starts with Jesus and knowing that He is the only way to real life, real peace and real happiness. I pray your life in 2008 would be full of all good things from His hand.

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Christmas Pics and Musings

I wanted to post some pictures of our Christmas season. It has been such a wonderful holiday for all of us and I am so grateful for safe travels and family and friends that make our lives so full.

The first picture is from Shreveport, Louisiana where we spent Christmas. This was probably one of the highlights for us. This is a handmade pizza oven made by our cousins. They lived in Italy many years ago and decided they wanted to bring a little of Italy to their back yard. They spent this past summer renovating their backyard area and adding this authentic pizza oven. So, they hosted a pizza party for all of the family. The pizza was fabulous, better than any we have ever tasted and the experience was so fun.

The rest of the pictures are snippets of some of our holiday gatherings. A couple of pictures of our ESL class at our house for our Christmas party and a couple of pictures from the ornament exchange we had in early December.

ENJOY!!


The incredible pizza oven



ESL Students at our Christmas Party


My daughters (red and green shirts) and some of their friends at the ornament exchange

My daughter and me at the ornament exchange

Friday, December 28, 2007

Friday Fact - Where Did You Spend Christmas?



Did you know that you could've spent your Christmas in these very "Christmasy" sounding places: Christmas, Florida; Santa Claus, Indiana; Noel, Missouri and Rudolph, Wisconsin?

I didn't spend my Christmas in one of these places. We went to Shreveport, Louisiana to spend Christmas with my hubby's family. This is a tradition that we have been observing for many years; since our children were small.

We usually get there a couple of days before Christmas, just in case we have any last minute shopping to do. Then on Christmas Eve, the FUN begins. We go to our Uncle Tom and Aunt Bea's house for a big dinner - big referring to the number of people that come. We usually have no less than 20 people and I have been there before when we had close to 50 people in attendance. This year we had around 25. It's mostly family but maybe a close friend or two, as well. They always invite a couple that have been friends of the family for years, and they add alot of fun to our celebration. The wife can play the piano like nobody's business. She is incredible and it's all by ear. You start singing, in any key, and she'll pick it up within seconds. So, anyway, after all the delicious food (usually beef tenderloin, yummy potatoes, salad, delicious green beans - compliments of my mother-in-law - and delectable rolls), we visit for a bit and then start the SHOW. It usually consists of us all gathering around the piano and singing a mix of traditional carols and then some fun stuff like The Twelve Days of Christmas (acted out by all of us) and other fun songs. It's very interactive and everyone gets involved, which makes it so enjoyable. This time we sang the Twelve Days of Christmas - Redneck version. We had "Three Coon Dogs" instead of "Three French Hens" but we had our aunt, my mother-in-law and another lady singing that part and they kept saying "three corn dogs". We laughed 'til we cried. Anyway, it was so much fun.

Then on Christmas morning we got up and opened our presents with Mee Mee (our name for my mother-in-law). We shared Christmas as a family and opened stockings with each other and Mee Mee. Then got ready and went back to Aunt Bea's house for Christmas brunch. This is also part of our tradition. Again, the food is delicious and the fellowship is sweet. It is usually just family, at this point, and there's lots of time to catch up with everyone's lives.

Then on Christmas night we go to my hubby's brother's house and share dinner and gifts with them. This meal is also a tradition and his wife prepares: Crawfish gumbo (remember, this is Louisiana) Taco Soup - for us "weirdos" who don't do crawfish - and salad and corn muffins. All topped off with Peppermint Parfaits and/or Bananas Foster.

All in all, Christmas in Shreveport is something we would not want to miss. It is definitely a highlight of our year. I hope to post pictures next week of some of the fun new things we experienced while there, this year.

I thank the Lord for family and the blessings that family brings to make each of our lives richer.

Blessed be the tie that binds!!

Friday, December 21, 2007

Friday Fact - Christmas Around the World



Do you know how other countries celebrate Christmas?

Here is a very brief listing of the "gift givers" from other cultures:

Saint Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 6th in Eastern Europe. Children put a boot by the window on December 5th and it is filled with treats by Saint Nicholas.

In China, "Dun Che Lao Ren," or Christmas Old Man, brings gifts to children.

The Dutch "Sintirklass" arrives by boat on December 6th. Children leave a wooden shoe filled with hay and carrots for the donkey which carries St. Nicholas' pack of toys.

In Italy "La Befana" is a good witch who dresses all in black. Children leave their shoes by the fireplace on the eve of January 6th. Befana comes down the chimney on her broomstick to leave gifts.

In Germany families go to church on Christmas Eve. While they are at church the "Christkind" or Christ Child brings presents to their homes.

In Spanish-speaking countries, such as Spain, Mexico, South America, children wait until January 6th for their presents. The Three Kings or Wise Men bring the gifts. Children put shoes by the front door to get their gifts. There is usually a big procession through the streets with floats for each of the Wise men.

In Sweden a gnome called "Juletomten" brings gifts in a sleigh driven by goats.

In Switzerland the "Christkindl" or Christ Child brings the gifts. In some towns, Christkindl is an angel who comes down from heaven to give gifts.

In England Father Christmas is a stern version of Santa Claus who brings gifts on Christmas Eve.

In France "Pere Noel" brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve. Children leave their shoes by the fireplace.

Of course, in the U.S. Santa Claus is a name that brings joy to millions of children every year.

I pray that each of you would experience the real gift-giver this year. The reason we really celebrate Christmas and the only one who can give joy that lasts. His name is Jesus, he was born in a stable thousands of years ago to a young virgin. He grew up without sin and was crucified on a cross for the sins of this world. We've all heard the story but have you experienced the reality in your own life? Unlike the other "gift-givers", Jesus is real, history proves what He did and His gift of eternal life to each of us is free.

Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Christmas Invitation





You are cordially invited to

A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!!!

Guest of Honor: Jesus Christ

Date: Every day. Traditionally, December 25
but He's always around, so the date is flexible...

Time: Whenever you're ready.
(Please don't be late, though, or you'll miss out on all the fun!)

Place: In your heart.... He'll meet you there.
(You'll hear Him knock.)

Attire: Come as you are... grubbies are okay.
He'll be washing our clothes anyway. He said something about
new white robes and crowns for everyone who stays till the last.

Tickets: Admission is free. He's
already paid for everyone...
(He says you wouldn't have been
able to afford it anyway...
it cost Him everything He had. But
you do need to accept the ticket!!

Refreshments: New wine, bread, and a
far-out drink He calls "Living Water,"
followed by a supper that promises to be out of this world!

Gift Suggestions: Your life. He's one of those
people who already has everything else.
(He's very generous in return though.
Just wait until you see what He has for you!)

Entertainment: Joy, Peace, Truth,
Light, Life, Love, Real Happiness,
Communion with God, Forgiveness, Miracles, Healing, Power,
Eternity in Paradise, Contentment, and much more!
(All "G" rated, so bring your family and friends.)

R.S.V.P. Very Important!
He must know ahead so He can
reserve a spot for you at the table.
Also, He's keeping a list of His friends for future
reference. He calls it the "Lamb's Book of Life."

Party being given by His Kids (that's us!!)!
Hope to see you there!

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

ESL Christmas Party


Well, last night we had our 2nd annual ESL (English as a Second Language)Christmas party. We hosted it at our home this year because all of the students wanted to see our new house. We had such a great time. I would post some pics but my teaching assistant (Autumn) did all the picture-taking and she is off to Tennessee today, so I am without any photos.

It is fun to share Christmas with other cultures and to share different types of food, as well. After we ate and visited a bit, we sang a couple of traditional Christmas carols with them that we taught them this last month. We taught them Silent Night and Joy to the World and shared the meaning of each song. Then, we shared the Christmas story with them based on a Nativity Scene (posted photo) that I have set up in my living room. We told them how Jesus was born in a manger in a stable and asked them questions like, "where are kings usually born?". We mentioned the star that God placed in the sky to guide them on their way. They were particularly interested in the three wise men bringing gifts to the new King.

One Chinese lady, named MiMi, had never heard the story until she moved from China to the United States a few years ago. I was amazed (yet not surprised) that she had never heard the story before.

I am very thankful for the opportunity to share with these precious people. I pray God would use Autumn and me to continue to plant small seeds that will one day produce fruit for His Kingdom.

Monday, December 17, 2007

What is Our World Coming To?

Did you hear this story? - (it is true, and verified) -

A Florida man traded a surface-to-air missile launcher for Reeboks.


The Orlando, Fla., police held a "Kicks for Guns" sneaker exchange Friday, but they weren't expecting to get a surface-to-air missile launcher.

An Ocoee, Fla., man showed up and exchanged the 4-foot-long launcher for size-3 Reebok sneakers for his daughter.

The man took advantage of the exchange's no-questions-asked policy, and was not identified.

Unbelievably, the mystery man said he discovered the launcher in a shed he was tearing down and tried to take it to three dumps to get rid of it, and they all turned him away.

In addition to the missile launcher, police collected more than 250 guns. They were all exchanged for sneakers or $50 gift certificates.

Merry Christmas and a happy BOOM, BOOM to you!!

Friday, December 14, 2007

Friday Fact - Cheap and Edible Christmas Decorations!






Did you know that Animal Crackers are not really crackers at all but are cookies that were imported to the United States from England in the late 1800's? What is interesting is that the boxes were designed with a string handle so they could be hung on the Christmas Tree. One box of crackers cost 5 cents.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

You know you're homeschooled if....

Most of you know that we homeschool and have since our oldest daughter (now 21) was in fourth grade. We started when we moved to Georgia and our two younger children have never known anything but homeschooling. This is our 12th year of homeschooling.

Anyway, homeschooling is a culture within itself and has it's own language and with that we get lots of questions; not as much anymore, now that our kids are growing up. But, with that in mind, here is a list of the more familiar and humorous questions and comments we've experienced.

You know you're homeschooled if:

1. the children have been asked why they don't go to a "real" school. (no, our school is not real - it's make believe.)
2. You can go to school in your pajamas, also teacher can show up in her P.J.'s (yeah!!)
3. People ask how do you "socialize", do you have friends, do you know other people? (no, we're actually trying to raise a bunch of deranged sociopaths to send out into the world.)
4. People ask what time we get up in the morning (well, we get up around noon, eat and then go back to bed and sleep the rest of the day.)
5. People ask why you're not in school, especially if the children happen to be grocery shopping with mom during "normal school hours". (well, isn't going to the grocery store a great place to learn math skills?)
6. People assume that the children get all "A's" because the parents are so lenient (yeah, right!!)
7. Mom gets asked frequently if she is "educated" enough to teach her children at home. (no, I'm really a kindergarten drop-out - but don't tell anyone, I might get reported to the uh... who?)
8. Is homeschooling legal? (no, we're doing it all incognito, don't follow any rules and live out in the country so no one can find us.)

Benefits of homeschooling from Mom's perspective:

1. The teacher gets to kiss the principal in the faculty lounge and no one gossips.
2. You take off for a teacher in-service day because the principal needs clean underwear.
3. If you get caught talking to yourself, you can claim you're having a PTA meeting.
4. If your child gets drugs at school, it's probably Tylenol.
5. We can take vacations when everyone else is in school.
6. All humor aside, I absolutely love my children and love having them around!!

Monday, December 10, 2007

Happy Monday

Good morning and good Monday to everyone. I cannot believe it is nearly Christmas and I have not finished shopping yet!! We have been doing alot of "partying" lately, (the good kind - hee). Saturday had a dress rehearsal for the drama/choir presentation at church. Saturday evening a Care Ministry party at church. Sunday the production and Sunday afternoon went to the Athens Symphony Christmas production at the Classic Center. It was fabulous, as usual, and really puts you in the Christmas spirit. They did two selections from Handel's Messiah, my favorite being the "Hallelujah Chorus". Wow, what music!! and with a 102 voice choir, all I can say is I had goosebumps. Then after that went to some friends for ice cream and coffee. Tonight my daughters and I are hosting our fourth (or is it fifth?) annual ornament exchange here at our house. We have friends over, (it started out with mothers and daughters and has evolved into a bit more than that) and snack (wassail , again - unspiked), fellowship and then do the exchange. The exchange itself, is like a White Elephant exchange, where you unwrap your gift and then the next person can take yours or get another. It ends up being alot of fun. Of course, the last person is in the best position, because they get to pick from everything. Lots to do today to prepare, lots of baking, but we love this particular event. Have a wonderful beginning to your week -

Friday, December 7, 2007

Friday Fact - Christmas Wassail



Did you know that the word "Wassail" comes from the Old Norse "vas heill" - to be of good health? This later evolved into the tradition of visiting neighbors on Christmas Eve and drinking to their health.

Speaking of Wassail, I had a couple of good friends over for lunch today. We have been friends for a long time and always get together for birthdays, etc... We just recently started getting together for Christmas. We had wassail, of course, one of my favorite Christmas beverages. (I also love Egg Nog). Anyway, I am posting a picture of us in front of our Christmas Tree. Left to right - me, Sheri and Kathy. I thank the Lord for good friendships!!

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Painting Lessons


If you know me at all, you know that I am very frugal with money. Some might term it "tight". But I don't mind. I do enjoy coupons and saving a buck or two when I can. So, when it came to finishing our bonus room, I told my husband we could save some money by us painting it ourselves. HA!! What a joke!!

Today is the second day of "priming" the sheet rock. Why do they call it "primer" anyway? Prime means "elite, heyday, perfection, all things lovely". Well, applying the primer was anything but those things. Yesterday, the smell in our house was so bad that I thought I was going to get sick. And while we were actually up there (room's on the second floor) my daughter and I felt as if we were becoming a bit "wacky" from inhaling the fumes. As someone said last night at church, we probably killed some brain cells yesterday, for which I am worried - I don't have that many to lose!! Anyway, today, we had to finish the "priming" because we were so sick of the smell yesterday, we up and left it. So had to return to the scene and complete the job. Now my hands look like a nail job gone bad and I have the familiar little white "freckles" all over my skin again. Tomorrow, I guess we'll start the actual painting. Hopefully, it is water based and will wash off easily, the primer was not. Alas, the money I spent in paintbrushes, that would not wash out, was probably enough to pay a painter. Anyway, I am hoping and praying the painting won't be as difficult.

All in all, I must say I do have a new found respect for painters.

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

TOO CUTE


Borrowed this from another blog, couldn't resist sharing. Enjoy ~~