Question

I know all the things a minister should know.

I know what I would tell someone else who asked me this question...

But, listen, all you in blogland...all you teachers and preachers of the word...all you wonderfully faithful Christian people I admire and love so much...

Tell me, do you ever feel like your ears are going to explode? I mean, is there ever so much junk going on that you just feel in over your head? Really, don't tell me it's just me...and here's the big question...

Do you ever feel like God just stepped out for a minute? Not that He won't be back, not that he's forsaken you...I know all the scripture regarding that. I am just wondering, do you ever feel like a kid in a huge store and you look around and Mom and/or Dad has just disappeared from your sight? Double take, Look around, Quick glances...can't be seen?

Just wondering.

Blessings.

New Things

I was thinking this morning about how exciting this time of year is for me...

Not because of presents, although I LOVE giving things to people.

Not because of the decorations, however, I do appreciate a precisely strung bunch of lights on a house or the perfectly spaced spiral around a tree or two.

Not even because of the abundance of very fun food, which you all know is a great joy to me...

Nope. I love this time because it's close to a time of starting over.

I love January.

I love the starting over phase of the year. It's fresh and clean and without blemish!

It's just another opportunity to do things you gave up on in March, or June, or October. It's a time to refocus and recommit. It's a time to see things clearly and continue doing the good you're doing while at the same time, deciding to do better in other areas.

I realize it doesn't have to be January to start fresh. I know God has given us that opportunity every minute. We have the chance to begin again with slates wiped clean...but, there's something about the New Year that gives you fuel for the fire within you.

Take just a minute to read these scriptures....and may you be filled and blessed today as you scurry around with last minute details for the holiday time.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." 2Corinthians 5:17-21

and...I love love love this one...

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning, or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."

He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children..." Revelation 21:1-7

Have a blessed Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

Good Smells

Some of you will understand what I'm about to say, and some, may just think I'm a little nuts...or, possibly you will understand, but still think I'm nuts. That's o.k.

When my kids both left for ACU, there was, of course an emptiness that was felt. Although you know they are doing exactly what they are supposed to do, you have this void, I think especially for the mother, because the object of your attention for so long is no longer there.

I'm a big "smell" person. I can walk in a room and often tell you who has been there according to the different smell that is left behind. Good smells are particularly good for me, and bad ones are just as amplified!

I discovered that the lack of the smell of my children was bothersome. It felt particularly empty.

2 Corinthians 2:14-15: "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing."

I really love this verse because I do believe that we are a sweet smell to our Father when we are following His plan for our lives. When we are displaying the fragrance of Christ to those in a lost world, it just leaves a noticable, lingering, smell that they may not be able to explain, but they know it's good. It's comforting. It's salvation and grace.

My children to me are a sweet aroma of life and goodness to me. And, although I know they are not going to live in my house forever, I'm going to enjoy this month and soak it up while it's here.

Blessings!

TOMORROW!

"Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I love ya, Tomorrow! You're only a day

away!"

I cry every time that little Annie sings that song. Love that movie!

Blessings for a wonderful Friday!

Happy Happy Happy!

Only two days. That's close enough to say "day after tomorrow!"

In other news, working very hard this week and next on a special service for the 23rd. Lots of participants, many singers, beautiful music. It is my prayer that in the "hard work" we don't forget to just simply honor and glorify our Lord. Just simply give Him everything!

Blessings!

I hope you are filled with the inexpressible and glorious joy that comes from knowing Jesus Christ, not only this season, but throughout the coming year!

Blessings for a wonderful Wednesday!

How Many Days, You Ask?

That's how many days, in case you were wondering.

Assuming the ice storms across the country won't hold up their plane. My husband wanted me to watch the movie "Day After Tomorrow" Sunday afternoon.

Thanks, honey. If you've seen that movie, the ice is an issue (to put it mildly!)

Anyway, Blessings for a wonderful Tuesday and we'll chat more tomorrow...

This is engine number 5 (look closely at the center of the front car) telling you all it's 5 days until they're home!

Finals begin tomorrow for them. (and many others) This mama will be praying!

Blessings!

This wee little pic is of some precious babies...Sextuplets!
I don't know these people, but I thought it would be a marvelous way to tell you...only 6 more days until my children are home!

I hope your day was blessed. Our time of fellowship and worship this morning was beautiful. We ordained new Elders, and it was amazing to feel the Spirit working in a mighty way!

Blessings!

One Week Countdown!

One week from today!

It is beautiful today. Blue skies, white puffy clouds. Laundry going, Christmas Music playing, bathrooms being scrubbed. It's a beautiful day!

Rack 'Em Up!

How many more days, you ask?

Blessings!

Still counting down

Nine days until my children arrive!


So much to do...

May you be part of something good today.

Blessings!

Countdown

That's how many days...

Can't wait!

Blessings!

Counter Pic

I have many "favorite people" in my life. This picture shows you four of them.

There are a couple of reasons I'm posting this pic. First, I love these four very much. The sweet woman in the center is my Aunt Evelyn. Everybody...I mean everybody in the world should have an Aunt Evelyn. There aren't enough words to tell you how I feel about this sweet lady.

My big brother is in the back. We tease him about being "precious", but the truth is, he is a precious soul. Very sweet. Loves his family beyond words. A true blessing to me.

Most of you know my younger brother. He, too is a tremendous blessing to me and I feel like a truly blessed girl to have two wonderful brothers in my life. However, with all his talents and gifts, little brother is also quite silly. And, as most of you know, in recent days, has posted pics of his precious son, seen next to my Aunt.

Today's picture is particularly silly. Silly little brother begats silly little nephew. So, I couldn't stand by, as the protective Aunt, (because I aspire to be an "aunt Evelyn") and let you just see that sweet nephew in a silly light.

I want you to see his sweet and precious side. Three generations of preciousness. If you haven't seen my brother's site, there is a link here www.intentionalwalk.blogspot.com , and look at his silly pics. But then, come back and see the sweetness of James here.

Auntie Sandra is here for you, buddy!

Blessings!

Countdown!

Forget the 12 Days of Christmas!

I'm counting down the 12 days before my children get home!

Blessings...