Right now we are under a Winter Storm Warning. We have been since late last night and it will continue throughout today. Right now we are getting just plain freezing rain. I took the dog out about 915am and realized then that my driveway is nice and crunchy and slick; just full of ice and slush! Yuk! After this, we may have some sleet or just plain ice off and on and then snow. I am not sure how many inches we are supposed to get; I have heard anywhere from 1-3" to 3-5" this afternoon/evening. Nice.
This is one of those days when I wonder if I manage to get down the driveway in the car (I need to just run down the road briefly), will I be able to get back up the driveway? When I came home last night, it (the driveway) already had slick spots when I tried to come up it and maneuver the car into the garage.
Oh, thank goodness for the garage!! I won't have to scrape all of this off of it!! Its not much of a garage, just can fit the car in it, but at least its a roof over the cars' head!! I park in the garage at school too, for the same reason. One of these days I will come out of class, it having snowed a great deal, and I won't have to worry about clearing the car; just getting home!! I truly thank God for these small 'favors', truly.
My dryer is having problems. We are hoping that it is the heating element; especially since my Pops found the part for it and shipped it over-night from Kentucky on Thursday (it did arrive yesterday on time). The set is about 14 years old and they are Whirlpool. This is the first bit of trouble I have had with them all of these years. Hopefully it is the heating element (it takes forever to dry my stuff when I do laundry, but there is still a little warmth to things when I pull them out), and when my friends come to replace that this morning, that's all that will have to be done. If we replace the heating element and that doesn't fix the problem, I am told it could be possibly be the thermostat or a sensor. So , we will see. They (the set) have to get me through College and graduation. By then, I plan to have all but my school bills paid off and hopefully able to get a new set on credit (if I need to) by then, if I need it.
My car also needs some help. Evidently I have a hole or the beginnings of a hole somewhere in the muffler system. It sounds just awful and I am embarrassed to drive it with it making such a loud noise. I do not know if it is possible to perhaps put a patch on the hole or if I need to replace the whole thing. I am going to try to seek out a mechanic through my Church and see what they think. Pray that it can just be patched right now and that the patch will hold until I can get rid of the car and get something else. Thanks, ya'll.
Well, I have been given the okay to share that big news. I have found a JOB! It came through my small group at my Church (how cool is God?) and was just amazing how it all came about. When I realized that I did have this opportunity and we first talked about it, I actually cried (this was before Christmas and we were in a restaurant at Easton). I have been looking for 'that' job for so long; since the end of last July/beginning of August! It's just like my mom said: God would provide the right job at the right time, and He has! She had even said last fall when I got a little discouraged about it all, that maybe the job didn't even exist yet (little did she know!). God is just so great!!
Ok. So here is a little about the job. It is just getting started, first of all. Not just my job, but the business in general. It is called B.L.E.S.S. INC. (how cool is that?). That stands for: Building Lasting & Evolving Steps to Success. Cool huh? Our mission is: "We are dedicated to providing exceptional customer care to people in need of assistance with breaking barriers, dealing with life changes, and building to self-sufficiency." As I said, we are just getting started, but hope to be fully up and running by the beginning of February and have our office downtown set up by the first of March. It's going to take a lot of work, but God is with us. My boss and I truly believe in this and that God wants us to work together on this.
So, that's a little bit about it. I worked a few hours last week and this week and will again this coming week, steadily increasing my hours. The pay is beyond what I even prayed for; where she wants to put the office is exactly what I prayed for; and it comes with benefits!!! God does provide for all!!! He knew exactly what I needed in every aspect of this position, right down to the pay and benefits, and has provided exactly what I needed and more!!! WOW! How amazing and cool is God??
Things are a little better with the soon to be ex too. We have both made our apologies for the other night. We have talked some, though not a great deal. He has agreed to come a week from this Monday to help start working on the house and sorting through things. I appreciate that very much. Just keep us in your prayers. I am ready for this to be over with; however, at the same time, I don't want him to be my mortal enemy at the end of this either. I don't think we will be great friends (maybe good friends?), but I still hope and pray that some day we will come to a point where we can at least share a meal and talk once in a blue moon or so. But, there will be some hard times (not necessarily harsh, like the other night) before that happens and we both have a lot of healing to do yet, but that is what I hope. I want him to be well, happy and where God wants him to be.
Well, I guess that is it for now. I could probably write tons more, but I should get started on the house-cleaning and continue working on my homework. I need to find a song and I don't know what to pick for today. Hmm. Be back, going to look. Ok, here we go...
"Awesome God" by Michael W. Smith
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38V8jnN1Kpw
Ok, this next one is kind of long, but WOW! I hope it moves you like it did me.
"Agnus Dei" by Michael W. Smith
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPBmFwBSGb0
God Bless and Ya'll Keep Safe.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Winter Quarter Begins
Well, winter quarter started this past Monday (5th). And it came with winter!!! What a surprise! Right now it is about 19 degrees with a wind chill (stressing the word chill) is about 9 degrees! So nice and cold! And there is snow on the ground. It snowed most of the day (at least down by campus it did); we don't really have that much snow, but it just makes it feel that much colder! But wait!! This next week, we are going to have highs in the teens and lows in the single digits!! How pleasant is that??? Find me a warm beach with some sun NOW!
It has been a long, long week. I am only taking 2 classes this quarter, but they are going to kick my butt. Its not that they are that difficult, just a lot of work; a lot of reading and assignments, a project, and just regular homework. Tuesdays and Thursdays are my long days and boy are they long! I am thankful, however, that my Political Science professor gives us a break about half-way through (its a 2 1/2hr class each day we meet) to get up and move around, take care of other business, whatever. So, I am glad for that.
With that and another thing that will start taking up my time on a more and more regular basis, I am going to have to drop one thing, I think. It's just too much with everything else that is going on right now.
So, today just to add to my stress (as if there isn't enough in my life already), my car decides to throw its two cents worth into the mix and start acting up. Took me about 10 minutes to get it started this morning. It was beginning to get to the point where I thought I was going to have to call for a ride so I wouldn't miss my classes, and it finally started. It hesitated on the way home, but started and then began making this awful racket. I don't know what it is, but its loud and right under my feet and I can feel the vibration in my feet on the pedals. Nice huh?? I hate that piece of junk.
I had my "independence day" over the weekend. My soon to ex was stopping over to get a few things on Saturday at a time I wasn't going to be able to be here. So, I left him a big (Rubbermaid) bin full of his stuff, clothes, pictures etc., in the kitchen for him. I left him a nice note and asked him if he would please take the bin full of his stuff. I also asked him to drop his house key in the mail slot after he locked the door and was leaving. To my surprise, when I got home later in the evening, he had taken the bin, left his key and no nasty text messages, emails or notes about it. That really surprised me; his attitude lately has left a little to be desired on my part and there have been times when he was just down right rude and mean over the holidays. But, I did that (I emptied his dresser into the bin) and asked for his key as a means of taking my life back and saying ' you can be as mean and rude as you want, I have a life and am going on with it.' IT FELT GREAT!!!
I got rid of my engagement ring over the holidays. I took it back to the store where we purchased it over 18 years ago and asked what I could do with it. So after looking around and doing some thinking, I traded it in on a nice pair of diamond earrings. It was a little difficult ( I shed a few tears in the car afterwards), but I had a friend with me, and after a few minutes, was fine. It felt great to do that too and I must say, I look great with the diamond earrings in two of the many holes in my ears! Another piece of the puzzle of getting on with my life and not letting anything he says or does (and believe me, a few things have not been all that great) get to me or affect me. He'll have to deal with whatever consequences his actions bring upon him, not me. I am done. DO YOU HEAR ME??? DONE!!!
So, I am laying here in bed last night, watching tv. It's bedtime and I had taken my bedtime meds, but was watching a tv show I like and I got to paying attention to the theme song and really liked it. I at first thought it was old school David Bowie, but after doing some digging, found out that it wasn't him after all. It's a group called 'The VLA'. The song is 'When I am Through With You', I particularly like the chorus. Now, I will put a disclaimer here and say this isn't directed at any one person. However, if some person should see this and hear the song and pay attention to it, maybe it will send this person a message of sorts.
As the sign I saw in the mall last weekend said "If you can't be nice; just leave!"
And as always, here is the song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNU2nOo1EwM
It has been a long, long week. I am only taking 2 classes this quarter, but they are going to kick my butt. Its not that they are that difficult, just a lot of work; a lot of reading and assignments, a project, and just regular homework. Tuesdays and Thursdays are my long days and boy are they long! I am thankful, however, that my Political Science professor gives us a break about half-way through (its a 2 1/2hr class each day we meet) to get up and move around, take care of other business, whatever. So, I am glad for that.
With that and another thing that will start taking up my time on a more and more regular basis, I am going to have to drop one thing, I think. It's just too much with everything else that is going on right now.
So, today just to add to my stress (as if there isn't enough in my life already), my car decides to throw its two cents worth into the mix and start acting up. Took me about 10 minutes to get it started this morning. It was beginning to get to the point where I thought I was going to have to call for a ride so I wouldn't miss my classes, and it finally started. It hesitated on the way home, but started and then began making this awful racket. I don't know what it is, but its loud and right under my feet and I can feel the vibration in my feet on the pedals. Nice huh?? I hate that piece of junk.
I had my "independence day" over the weekend. My soon to ex was stopping over to get a few things on Saturday at a time I wasn't going to be able to be here. So, I left him a big (Rubbermaid) bin full of his stuff, clothes, pictures etc., in the kitchen for him. I left him a nice note and asked him if he would please take the bin full of his stuff. I also asked him to drop his house key in the mail slot after he locked the door and was leaving. To my surprise, when I got home later in the evening, he had taken the bin, left his key and no nasty text messages, emails or notes about it. That really surprised me; his attitude lately has left a little to be desired on my part and there have been times when he was just down right rude and mean over the holidays. But, I did that (I emptied his dresser into the bin) and asked for his key as a means of taking my life back and saying ' you can be as mean and rude as you want, I have a life and am going on with it.' IT FELT GREAT!!!
I got rid of my engagement ring over the holidays. I took it back to the store where we purchased it over 18 years ago and asked what I could do with it. So after looking around and doing some thinking, I traded it in on a nice pair of diamond earrings. It was a little difficult ( I shed a few tears in the car afterwards), but I had a friend with me, and after a few minutes, was fine. It felt great to do that too and I must say, I look great with the diamond earrings in two of the many holes in my ears! Another piece of the puzzle of getting on with my life and not letting anything he says or does (and believe me, a few things have not been all that great) get to me or affect me. He'll have to deal with whatever consequences his actions bring upon him, not me. I am done. DO YOU HEAR ME??? DONE!!!
So, I am laying here in bed last night, watching tv. It's bedtime and I had taken my bedtime meds, but was watching a tv show I like and I got to paying attention to the theme song and really liked it. I at first thought it was old school David Bowie, but after doing some digging, found out that it wasn't him after all. It's a group called 'The VLA'. The song is 'When I am Through With You', I particularly like the chorus. Now, I will put a disclaimer here and say this isn't directed at any one person. However, if some person should see this and hear the song and pay attention to it, maybe it will send this person a message of sorts.
As the sign I saw in the mall last weekend said "If you can't be nice; just leave!"
And as always, here is the song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNU2nOo1EwM
Thursday, January 1, 2009
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!
Happy New Year to all of you! Or as we say in the south, to all ya'll!! I hope that each and every one of you had a great Christmas and if you went to a New Years Eve party last night, a great New Years Eve!
I myself went to a New Years Eve party at a friends' house. I had a good time, but came home just a little before midnight. Got the dog walked, it had just started to snow, and was back inside the house to see the ball drop in New York City. The party was nice and I enjoyed meeting some new people, but I wanted to be home before midnight for my reasons.
This was my first new years eve in 19 years as a 'single' gal. I put 'single' in little quotes because I am still married, although separated, and the marriage is ending. It was hard in some ways (another reason I wanted to be home before midnight), and yes, I did cry a little bit, but they were just mostly small tears. I was on the phone with my parents when the ball dropped and I said that this year was going to be a big year ( I turn 40 this year, my marriage is ending, I am back in school etc), and my mom said it would be my best year yet. I hope that she is right. I need a really good year.
Last year was a year of a lot of heartache, changes, and growth. In many ways I hated last year; In many ways, I was glad for what all of that brought forth. I grew in God in amazing ways (still am) and He is doing amazing things in my life and I am so thankful for that. Last year I found myself at a new church that brought new friends and great support with all that I have been through. I am so thankful for all of that.
Last year brought my return to college after a 18 year absence to finally finish my bachelors' degree. I got through fall quarter with a 3.0 GPA and winter quarter starts this Monday (5th). I am taking 9 hrs (2 classes) this quarter. Things are going a little slower than I wanted, but it is better this way I think, because I am able to adjust in small increments and concentrate well and do well.
Last year brought another nephew into my life. It was a surprise for every one, including his mom and dad! They had not planned for him to arrive until this year, but surprise!! We are glad to have him; glad that he was born healthy and easily. I got to spend some time with them over this past weekend and they are both growing so fast! I cannot get over it! This new nephew is going to be my little linebacker! He has my big German bones and is more leggy, like me, than his older brother; the older brother is tall (and I do mean tall!) will be my basketball player. He is built more like his dad and is so skinny!! They are both good, sweet boys though and I love them both very much.
Last year, late in the year, brought my cousin home from his last tour of Iraq. He has a few more months in the Army and then he is done. I am so proud of him and all that he has endured and accomplished, but I am glad that he is done. This last tour was his groups' longest and hardest on those of us left here at home. I prayed a hedge of protection around his specific little group, and to my knowledge, they didn't lose anyone this tour! Praise the Lord!
As many of you know, late in the year, we lost grandma. In some ways, I was surprised, and in some ways not. She was 94 yrs old after all. I will miss her, but know that she is happy in heaven and young and beautiful again. And I know that she'll keep an eye on me like others that have gone before her from my family.
This year, I am going to continue with my college pursuits. I hope at some point to finally find a job (its been so tough out there!). I hope that God will continue to grow me and continue to do the amazing things that He has already been doing in my life. I want to get my back healed (which we are working on) and get back to my workouts; I miss them and I don't like the shape my body is in. I have only been able to not do them for about 6 weeks and have noticed I am losing all that toning and strength I had worked so hard on. I hope to be a better person this year, a better friend, a better Christian, just better over all.
I hope that each one of you will accomplish what you want to this year. I hope that each of will grow in God. Will grow in your personal life. I hope that this year will bring each of you all that you hope for in your life.
Ok, so now I need to find a song. I am not going to pick the usual new years song. To me its too sad and I want something upbeat and happy. Something that supports what I hope this year will bring for me. So, I am off to find a song. Be back.
Ok. Here is the first song. It's probably one of my all time favorites and I like the way this group does it.
"Amazing Grace" by IL DIVO
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMVxzEueJ6A
"Hallelujah" by IL DIVO
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2SZ-nCBmsU
"Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rAsoLm1Ges
I myself went to a New Years Eve party at a friends' house. I had a good time, but came home just a little before midnight. Got the dog walked, it had just started to snow, and was back inside the house to see the ball drop in New York City. The party was nice and I enjoyed meeting some new people, but I wanted to be home before midnight for my reasons.
This was my first new years eve in 19 years as a 'single' gal. I put 'single' in little quotes because I am still married, although separated, and the marriage is ending. It was hard in some ways (another reason I wanted to be home before midnight), and yes, I did cry a little bit, but they were just mostly small tears. I was on the phone with my parents when the ball dropped and I said that this year was going to be a big year ( I turn 40 this year, my marriage is ending, I am back in school etc), and my mom said it would be my best year yet. I hope that she is right. I need a really good year.
Last year was a year of a lot of heartache, changes, and growth. In many ways I hated last year; In many ways, I was glad for what all of that brought forth. I grew in God in amazing ways (still am) and He is doing amazing things in my life and I am so thankful for that. Last year I found myself at a new church that brought new friends and great support with all that I have been through. I am so thankful for all of that.
Last year brought my return to college after a 18 year absence to finally finish my bachelors' degree. I got through fall quarter with a 3.0 GPA and winter quarter starts this Monday (5th). I am taking 9 hrs (2 classes) this quarter. Things are going a little slower than I wanted, but it is better this way I think, because I am able to adjust in small increments and concentrate well and do well.
Last year brought another nephew into my life. It was a surprise for every one, including his mom and dad! They had not planned for him to arrive until this year, but surprise!! We are glad to have him; glad that he was born healthy and easily. I got to spend some time with them over this past weekend and they are both growing so fast! I cannot get over it! This new nephew is going to be my little linebacker! He has my big German bones and is more leggy, like me, than his older brother; the older brother is tall (and I do mean tall!) will be my basketball player. He is built more like his dad and is so skinny!! They are both good, sweet boys though and I love them both very much.
Last year, late in the year, brought my cousin home from his last tour of Iraq. He has a few more months in the Army and then he is done. I am so proud of him and all that he has endured and accomplished, but I am glad that he is done. This last tour was his groups' longest and hardest on those of us left here at home. I prayed a hedge of protection around his specific little group, and to my knowledge, they didn't lose anyone this tour! Praise the Lord!
As many of you know, late in the year, we lost grandma. In some ways, I was surprised, and in some ways not. She was 94 yrs old after all. I will miss her, but know that she is happy in heaven and young and beautiful again. And I know that she'll keep an eye on me like others that have gone before her from my family.
This year, I am going to continue with my college pursuits. I hope at some point to finally find a job (its been so tough out there!). I hope that God will continue to grow me and continue to do the amazing things that He has already been doing in my life. I want to get my back healed (which we are working on) and get back to my workouts; I miss them and I don't like the shape my body is in. I have only been able to not do them for about 6 weeks and have noticed I am losing all that toning and strength I had worked so hard on. I hope to be a better person this year, a better friend, a better Christian, just better over all.
I hope that each one of you will accomplish what you want to this year. I hope that each of will grow in God. Will grow in your personal life. I hope that this year will bring each of you all that you hope for in your life.
Ok, so now I need to find a song. I am not going to pick the usual new years song. To me its too sad and I want something upbeat and happy. Something that supports what I hope this year will bring for me. So, I am off to find a song. Be back.
Ok. Here is the first song. It's probably one of my all time favorites and I like the way this group does it.
"Amazing Grace" by IL DIVO
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMVxzEueJ6A
"Hallelujah" by IL DIVO
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2SZ-nCBmsU
"Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rAsoLm1Ges
Thursday, December 25, 2008
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Luke 2: 1 - 20
1) Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth.
2) This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3) And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.
4) Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is also called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,
5) in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.
6) While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.
7) And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8) In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.
9) And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.
10) But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all people;
11) for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12) This will be sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13) And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14) "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."
15) When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us."
16) So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.
17) When they had seen this, the made known the statement which had be told them about this Child.
18) And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.
19) But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.
20) The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as he been told them.
Matthew 2: 1-12
1) Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herrod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
2) "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him."
3) When Herrod the kind heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4) Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.
5) They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet:
6) 'AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH,
ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH: FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE OF ISRAEL.'"
7) Then Herrod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared.
8) He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him."
9) After hearing from the king, they went on their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was.
10) When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
11) After coming to the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasurers, they presented to Him the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
12) And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herrod, the magi left for their own country by another way.
On this day, the day of Jesus birth, I will ask you the question my Pastor asked us last night at our Christmas Eve service. Who do you really believe that baby in the manger was that day? Do you believe that He was the Son of God; sent to earth to save us from our sins? Or do you believe He was just a prophet who was not the Messiah.
He truly was the Messiah for us. He was sent to earth to live a human life, die on a cross and save us from our sins.
You shall call His name Jesus, and He will save you from your sins.
I hope that you will take this day, of all days, to search your heart and soul, and see what you believe. Do you believe in Him? Is He your Savior? If He is not your Savior, why not take today to give Him the greatest gift you can give Him, YOU! Surrender yourself and your sins to Him and ask Him into your heart.
May God Bless Each and Every One of You on this Blessed Day. And May You Have Blessed New Year!
"All Come, All Ye Faithful" by Celtic Women
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eLDvM7eSq0
"Angels We Have Heard On High" by Sandi Patty
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bnP0k0JdOQ
1) Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth.
2) This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3) And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.
4) Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is also called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,
5) in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.
6) While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.
7) And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8) In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.
9) And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.
10) But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all people;
11) for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12) This will be sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13) And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14) "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."
15) When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us."
16) So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.
17) When they had seen this, the made known the statement which had be told them about this Child.
18) And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.
19) But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.
20) The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as he been told them.
Matthew 2: 1-12
1) Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herrod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
2) "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him."
3) When Herrod the kind heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4) Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.
5) They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet:
6) 'AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH,
ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH: FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE OF ISRAEL.'"
7) Then Herrod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared.
8) He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him."
9) After hearing from the king, they went on their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was.
10) When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
11) After coming to the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasurers, they presented to Him the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
12) And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herrod, the magi left for their own country by another way.
On this day, the day of Jesus birth, I will ask you the question my Pastor asked us last night at our Christmas Eve service. Who do you really believe that baby in the manger was that day? Do you believe that He was the Son of God; sent to earth to save us from our sins? Or do you believe He was just a prophet who was not the Messiah.
He truly was the Messiah for us. He was sent to earth to live a human life, die on a cross and save us from our sins.
You shall call His name Jesus, and He will save you from your sins.
I hope that you will take this day, of all days, to search your heart and soul, and see what you believe. Do you believe in Him? Is He your Savior? If He is not your Savior, why not take today to give Him the greatest gift you can give Him, YOU! Surrender yourself and your sins to Him and ask Him into your heart.
May God Bless Each and Every One of You on this Blessed Day. And May You Have Blessed New Year!
"All Come, All Ye Faithful" by Celtic Women
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eLDvM7eSq0
"Angels We Have Heard On High" by Sandi Patty
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bnP0k0JdOQ
Friday, December 19, 2008
Dearest Grandma
Dearest Grandma:
This past Sunday night(the 14th), sometime during the night, you went home to be with our gracious Lord and Savior. I am glad that you went in your sleep and that, although you had had some physical difficulties lately, you weren't sick for a long time before you went Home. I am so thankful for that.
I know that you are in heaven having a good time with Grandpa D., and all of the other family members and friends that have gone on before you. I know that you were amazed at the glory of the beauty of God’s face and the love that shown through it as He welcomed you into heaven with His open arms. I can’t wait to see that day myself!
Haha! Remember that night that we stayed down there with you on the farm and I got up in the middle of the night to pee or something? There were those white cows out there (I forget what you call them) out in the yard that had gotten out of the neighbors pens and I screamed like the little girl that I am, thinking they were "ghost cows"? You got the biggest kick out out of that, I do remember that! You laughed and laughed; even while you called the neighbors to tell them to come get their cows! You told them I thought they were ghost cows too!!! That's what'ya get for having a small town girl out in the country! Hahaha! We had some good times, didn't we?
Well, Gramm, I am going to go. It is almost 535am and a I am tired. I have been awake most of the night. Its raining and I like the sound of the rain; maybe that will lull me to sleep yet . So, I am going to lay back down and try to get some extra rest before I have to get up and moving for the day.
Thank you for being my grandma these past 17 or so years and for welcoming me so much into the family. You reminded me so much of my mom’s mom, it was uncanny. I am so glad that you were a part of my life for all of these years and that I will always have these memories and pictures of you.
Have no doubts, however, that you will be missed by me a lot. I am once again without any grandparents, but know that all of you are up there in Heaven, meeting each other for the first time, and talking about what ornery kids we were/are!!! Haha! ;-)
Thanks for being there for me. Thanks for loving me as you did. Thanks for laughing at my silly things or even when I tried to tell a joke (cause you know I am not good at telling jokes).
Thanks for being the woman you were; for being the Godly woman you were.
I wish that we would have had more time together here on this earth; but I know that we will have all of eternity some day to sit and talk in heaven about the things we didn’t get to talk about here on earth.
I love you; I’ll miss you and I will probably ‘talk’ to you from time to time. Give Grandpa D. and Grandma F. a hug for me. Tell them I love them too. I am sorry I wasn't at your funeral to say goodbye properly, but hey, you weren't there either! So, this is my way to say good-bye to you. Although I prefer to say, 'See Ya Later'.
Ya’ll don’t party too hard till the rest of us get up to Heaven; then we can let loose! We'll party, party then! God and the angels better make sure they have enough food etc., for when we're all up there together again and ready to PARTY!
Here’s some songs for you that I think you would like and they also mean a lot to me.
I love you, Grandma.
Your Granddaughter forever,
Meg
"Amazing Grace: My Chains Are Gone" by Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXV6HJxUebg
"Great Is Thy Faithfulness" by Steve Green
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1O8kVT4A-w
"When We All Get to Heaven" by Brad Paisley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZnUY3CcH8A
"Sweet By and By" by Bird Youmans
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3T2bZ1SHBIo
"Time To Say Goodbye" by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pamC18f_T8
LOVE YOU GRAMM'S.....ALWAYS....
This past Sunday night(the 14th), sometime during the night, you went home to be with our gracious Lord and Savior. I am glad that you went in your sleep and that, although you had had some physical difficulties lately, you weren't sick for a long time before you went Home. I am so thankful for that.
I know that you are in heaven having a good time with Grandpa D., and all of the other family members and friends that have gone on before you. I know that you were amazed at the glory of the beauty of God’s face and the love that shown through it as He welcomed you into heaven with His open arms. I can’t wait to see that day myself!
Haha! Remember that night that we stayed down there with you on the farm and I got up in the middle of the night to pee or something? There were those white cows out there (I forget what you call them) out in the yard that had gotten out of the neighbors pens and I screamed like the little girl that I am, thinking they were "ghost cows"? You got the biggest kick out out of that, I do remember that! You laughed and laughed; even while you called the neighbors to tell them to come get their cows! You told them I thought they were ghost cows too!!! That's what'ya get for having a small town girl out in the country! Hahaha! We had some good times, didn't we?
Well, Gramm, I am going to go. It is almost 535am and a I am tired. I have been awake most of the night. Its raining and I like the sound of the rain; maybe that will lull me to sleep yet . So, I am going to lay back down and try to get some extra rest before I have to get up and moving for the day.
Thank you for being my grandma these past 17 or so years and for welcoming me so much into the family. You reminded me so much of my mom’s mom, it was uncanny. I am so glad that you were a part of my life for all of these years and that I will always have these memories and pictures of you.
Have no doubts, however, that you will be missed by me a lot. I am once again without any grandparents, but know that all of you are up there in Heaven, meeting each other for the first time, and talking about what ornery kids we were/are!!! Haha! ;-)
Thanks for being there for me. Thanks for loving me as you did. Thanks for laughing at my silly things or even when I tried to tell a joke (cause you know I am not good at telling jokes).
Thanks for being the woman you were; for being the Godly woman you were.
I wish that we would have had more time together here on this earth; but I know that we will have all of eternity some day to sit and talk in heaven about the things we didn’t get to talk about here on earth.
I love you; I’ll miss you and I will probably ‘talk’ to you from time to time. Give Grandpa D. and Grandma F. a hug for me. Tell them I love them too. I am sorry I wasn't at your funeral to say goodbye properly, but hey, you weren't there either! So, this is my way to say good-bye to you. Although I prefer to say, 'See Ya Later'.
Ya’ll don’t party too hard till the rest of us get up to Heaven; then we can let loose! We'll party, party then! God and the angels better make sure they have enough food etc., for when we're all up there together again and ready to PARTY!
Here’s some songs for you that I think you would like and they also mean a lot to me.
I love you, Grandma.
Your Granddaughter forever,
Meg
"Amazing Grace: My Chains Are Gone" by Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXV6HJxUebg
"Great Is Thy Faithfulness" by Steve Green
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1O8kVT4A-w
"When We All Get to Heaven" by Brad Paisley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZnUY3CcH8A
"Sweet By and By" by Bird Youmans
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3T2bZ1SHBIo
"Time To Say Goodbye" by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pamC18f_T8
LOVE YOU GRAMM'S.....ALWAYS....
Sunday, December 14, 2008
School's Out and Here Comes Christmas!
Well, here we are, on the 14th of December, a week and four days till Christmas!! Where did the year go??? It has just flown by; it seems like it was just Memorial Day weekend and now it's almost Christmas! My goodness! I feel like saying, 'Stop the world, I want to get off!' as if that would somehow stop time or slow it down!!!
I have just started working on my Christmas cards yesterday! I am so behind! Haven't even started shopping yet. Have basic ideas of what I am getting, just haven't gotten out there and done it yet!! I need to get on the ball or I will be one of those people running around of Christmas Eve trying to get that last gift (and the stores will be closing!).
I surprisingly got through most of my Christmas card list yesterday, although need to do several more. I have just signed my 'Merry Christmas' etc., my name and the name on the outside of the envelope. I still need to write the addresses on the envelopes and need to write little notes in several of them. Whew! Oh, I shouldn't say that I haven't gotten any Christmas shopping done; I am done with the dog's. She got some new toys, (a kind she likes particularly well, that are getting more and more difficult to find). I found them online for $4.99/each (good deal!), and they already arrived via UPS, so I am done with her.
The most important thing of late is that I made it through my first quarter of returning to college after many years! The last week of classes was December 1-4th and I took my final on December 10th (this past Wednesday). The final was long and arduous, even though I had studied for about a total of 15 hours over several days for it. I was one of the last ones to finish, no, I stand corrected, I was the last one to finish; the other two people who were also still in the classroom didn't finish.
When I say long, it was 3 pages front and back and then a 4th page, front only. Now there were only sometimes 2-3 problems per page, but then there would be several steps to the problem. We had an 1 hr and 50 minutes to take the test and I barely finished when I had to turn my test in at 2 hours. Ugh! It is definitely a test that needs 2 hours I think. Some people finished in like 45 minutes or an hour, but I am slow and methodical on my math test taking and so it takes me longer. I like to take my time and be sure I am doing each step of the problem correctly and not just rush through; make mistakes that way.
Anyways, I was glad to be done with the test and just have it over with. My nerves had gotten the best of my the day/night before and I cried several times. Silly, I know. I even had asked hubby to come over to go over a few problems on the review with me that I wasn't sure of; it was much different from what he had remembered. We got some of them worked through and I just got to the point where I couldn't push anymore in my brain, ya know? So, I just packed it in.
I took my notes with me to the final and got to school a 1/2hr before the final was to begin. I thought about taking out my notes and looking through them once more, but didn't. Instead, I took out a little New Testament/Psalms Bible that I carry with me to school every day. I read several verses out of the Psalms and out of several other books; then I bowed my head (yes right in front of everyone else that was also already in the classroom) and prayed. I prayed that God would calm my nerves, my shakes (they were bad that day); that He would calm my mind and spirit and that He would help me remember what I needed to remember for the test. That was it. Took my calculator, pencil, eraser, scrap paper, bottle of water and a peppermint out and got my desk situated for the test.
Soooooooooo, I didn't do as well on the final as I had hoped ( a high C: i knew when i was done with the test exactly which problems i had not done the right); however, that still gave me a final grade of a "B" for the class!!!!!! So, I finished my first quarter with a 3.0 GPA! Praise the Lord! It was truly with the Lord's help that I was able to do that well in a class that has never been an easy subject for me. So, thank you Lord, for getting me through this first quarter, through this class and with a final grade better than I had hoped for at the beginning of the quarter!!!!
Now I get a break until January 5th. That's the first day back for winter quarter. I don't know who my professor is for my poly sci class yet, but I do know that I have the same professor for the next succession in my math (103), for which I am very grateful. I signed up for my poly-sci class several weeks ago when registration opened for winter quarter; but I had to wait on the math class. My professor is part-time at my college, so I had to wait for them to assign her classes to her.
So, she emailed me the other day before the final and let me what they had assigned her; it worked out very well! I not only have her again for the math class, but its 4 days a week (which I need) and its at the same time as it was this quarter, 9-950am! So, I will have time on TTH before my poly sci class at noon, to get my math homework done in the math lab (which I will do ever day anyways; did that this quarter) and have a quick bite to eat for lunch. The Lord really was is in the details!
I am still struggling with my back. The pain has been incredible (and I don't mean that in an amazing way, I mean that in a bad way), but when I saw my doc again this past Wednesday afternoon, she gave me better pain medicine, and boy does it make a difference!! I had an MRI around lunch time on Wednesday also (on my back of course) and by the time I saw my doc at about 430pm, she had the preliminary report. I have arthritis in my back (which I already knew), but also two other things. At L4-5, I have a disc that is rupturing and at L3-4, I have a disc that is slipping (or protruding). Nice huh?? At the L4-5, where the disc is rupturing, it is causing my vertebrae to move closer together because the "cushion" of the disc is getting less and less. Anyways, its all causing the pain, pressing on nerves etc. The good news is that even with all of that going on, my spinal canal looks in real good shape. There is no narrowing of that, which is very good news.
My doc said that her office was going to refer me over to the Sports Medicine/Rehabilitation (which is in the same building). When I was done with the doc and was checking out, we set up an appointment for me to see my doc again in 4 weeks and then they said they would call me the next day (which would have been last Thursday, the 11th) with my appointment with the Sports Medicine would be. Well, they still haven't called, and I am running out of time. Like I said, I start back to school on January 5th, and if you take out 4 days for which the office will be closed for the holidays (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, New Years Day), that doesn't leave me much time to get in and get started on doing whatever I need to do to begin the healing of my back so that I am not in the same severe pain etc., when school starts back up. And I really would like to be off the pain medicine too; it dulls my senses and my mind and while it helps with the pain which has been so bad, I feel I need to be off of it for school.
I had called one of my dear friends Friday morning to talk about a few things (she had emailed me) and to see how she was doing and she wanted to know how I was doing. She was on her way to see her chiropractor. So, I told her what the MRI showed, what the doc said they were going to do (refer me to sports med), and that I had not heard anything about any of that yet. I shared with her my frustration and that I wanted to get something started to get the process of healing started on my back, which she totally understood.
So, she went in and talked with her chiropractor about my situation(with my permission). So, a few minutes later, her chiropractors' office called me and said that my friend had shared my situation. They took my name and info etc., and I have an appointment with them this Tuesday! PTL!!!! I am so thankful that I am going to be getting started on the healing process. Now, I know it is probably going to be painful to do this, and that it will take time; that I will have to also do exercises here at home (not a problem), but at least I will be getting started on the process!!! PTL!!! So, thank you dear friend, for connecting me with your chiropractor; and thank the Lord for the email I received from her that morning that prompted me to call her!!! Again, the Lord is in the details!!!!
I went to church last night with one of my friends from my small group. She picked me up so that I could take my medicine and not be in pain during the service, but be able to go. It was a good service and I enjoyed singing and praising the Lord, even though I had to sit down. The sermon was good also. It was about 'Radical Generosity', 2 Corinthians 8:1-9. It was really good.
Our church is taking a special Christmas offering. Half of the amount that is received in the offering will go to help people/families in our church/community that are having a very tough time because of our economy; perhaps they have been laid-off or have completely lost their job etc. They had intended the whole offering to go to this Project Clean Water, but after they started hearing of people in our church family that were being laid-off or losing their jobs and needed help, they prayed about it and decided to split this special Christmas offering because of the special situations in our community.
The other half will be going overseas for Project Clean Water to help provide money that will help provide clean wells (and therefore clean water) in developing countries that desperately need this like Uganda, India and Central America. Did you know ( I did not know this) that over 3900 children die every day from water-borne diseases because the water is dirty. That is astounding! You can go to http://www.adventconspiracy.org/ to read about this and there is a link on the page if you would like to donate to help get clean water to people all over the world that desperately need it.
My church is also doing a Christmas Eve service, which I am looking forward to attending. Actually they are having 2 Christmas Eve services. One is at 5pm, which I believe is more family oriented; there will be a kid's live nativity and Christmas carols along with Pastor Steve sharing. The 7pm service is going to be more 'adult', I believe. We will have candlelight time of worship and praise in celebration of Jesus Christs' birth. If you are interested in learning more about these services or any of our services etc., in general, go to http://www.enewlife.com/. Come out for any of the services, but I think the Christmas Eve services will be very special.
Well, my final campaign that I volunteered with this summer/fall finally finished all of the counting of ballots and a couple of things that had to run through the courts. It was the race for the 15th Ohio District for the US House. Anyhow, they finally finished it all up the other day, and I am sad to report that Steve Stivers lost the race to his opponent, MaryJo Kilroy. It wasn't even close enough to trigger an automatic recount (which I think a lot of us were hoping for). The numbers would have had to be within 1/2 of 1% to trigger the recount and it was not. So, only one of the campaigns that I volunteered on won, and it was at the state level, which was good, but losing this US House seat and also the Presidency was very disappointing. Never fear though, it won't be long before campaigning will start up again for different things, and we will be hard back at work at it!
Well, I guess that's it for now. Just wanted to let you know how things turned out for school. And catch up you on my back. Tell ya about Church things and Christmas coming up (so fast!).
I hope that ya'll are doing well. I hope that everyone who was also in college this fall and is now on break, did well also. I prayed for all of us.
Ya'll enjoy your Christmas season with your family and friends. Remember that JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON! And don't be afraid to say 'MERRY CHRISTMAS' to people instead of the politically correct 'Happy Holidays'. Say it loud and proud!! May God bless you and yours at this special time of year!
"O, Holy Night" by Josh Groban:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTgMe5demPc
I have just started working on my Christmas cards yesterday! I am so behind! Haven't even started shopping yet. Have basic ideas of what I am getting, just haven't gotten out there and done it yet!! I need to get on the ball or I will be one of those people running around of Christmas Eve trying to get that last gift (and the stores will be closing!).
I surprisingly got through most of my Christmas card list yesterday, although need to do several more. I have just signed my 'Merry Christmas' etc., my name and the name on the outside of the envelope. I still need to write the addresses on the envelopes and need to write little notes in several of them. Whew! Oh, I shouldn't say that I haven't gotten any Christmas shopping done; I am done with the dog's. She got some new toys, (a kind she likes particularly well, that are getting more and more difficult to find). I found them online for $4.99/each (good deal!), and they already arrived via UPS, so I am done with her.
The most important thing of late is that I made it through my first quarter of returning to college after many years! The last week of classes was December 1-4th and I took my final on December 10th (this past Wednesday). The final was long and arduous, even though I had studied for about a total of 15 hours over several days for it. I was one of the last ones to finish, no, I stand corrected, I was the last one to finish; the other two people who were also still in the classroom didn't finish.
When I say long, it was 3 pages front and back and then a 4th page, front only. Now there were only sometimes 2-3 problems per page, but then there would be several steps to the problem. We had an 1 hr and 50 minutes to take the test and I barely finished when I had to turn my test in at 2 hours. Ugh! It is definitely a test that needs 2 hours I think. Some people finished in like 45 minutes or an hour, but I am slow and methodical on my math test taking and so it takes me longer. I like to take my time and be sure I am doing each step of the problem correctly and not just rush through; make mistakes that way.
Anyways, I was glad to be done with the test and just have it over with. My nerves had gotten the best of my the day/night before and I cried several times. Silly, I know. I even had asked hubby to come over to go over a few problems on the review with me that I wasn't sure of; it was much different from what he had remembered. We got some of them worked through and I just got to the point where I couldn't push anymore in my brain, ya know? So, I just packed it in.
I took my notes with me to the final and got to school a 1/2hr before the final was to begin. I thought about taking out my notes and looking through them once more, but didn't. Instead, I took out a little New Testament/Psalms Bible that I carry with me to school every day. I read several verses out of the Psalms and out of several other books; then I bowed my head (yes right in front of everyone else that was also already in the classroom) and prayed. I prayed that God would calm my nerves, my shakes (they were bad that day); that He would calm my mind and spirit and that He would help me remember what I needed to remember for the test. That was it. Took my calculator, pencil, eraser, scrap paper, bottle of water and a peppermint out and got my desk situated for the test.
Soooooooooo, I didn't do as well on the final as I had hoped ( a high C: i knew when i was done with the test exactly which problems i had not done the right); however, that still gave me a final grade of a "B" for the class!!!!!! So, I finished my first quarter with a 3.0 GPA! Praise the Lord! It was truly with the Lord's help that I was able to do that well in a class that has never been an easy subject for me. So, thank you Lord, for getting me through this first quarter, through this class and with a final grade better than I had hoped for at the beginning of the quarter!!!!
Now I get a break until January 5th. That's the first day back for winter quarter. I don't know who my professor is for my poly sci class yet, but I do know that I have the same professor for the next succession in my math (103), for which I am very grateful. I signed up for my poly-sci class several weeks ago when registration opened for winter quarter; but I had to wait on the math class. My professor is part-time at my college, so I had to wait for them to assign her classes to her.
So, she emailed me the other day before the final and let me what they had assigned her; it worked out very well! I not only have her again for the math class, but its 4 days a week (which I need) and its at the same time as it was this quarter, 9-950am! So, I will have time on TTH before my poly sci class at noon, to get my math homework done in the math lab (which I will do ever day anyways; did that this quarter) and have a quick bite to eat for lunch. The Lord really was is in the details!
I am still struggling with my back. The pain has been incredible (and I don't mean that in an amazing way, I mean that in a bad way), but when I saw my doc again this past Wednesday afternoon, she gave me better pain medicine, and boy does it make a difference!! I had an MRI around lunch time on Wednesday also (on my back of course) and by the time I saw my doc at about 430pm, she had the preliminary report. I have arthritis in my back (which I already knew), but also two other things. At L4-5, I have a disc that is rupturing and at L3-4, I have a disc that is slipping (or protruding). Nice huh?? At the L4-5, where the disc is rupturing, it is causing my vertebrae to move closer together because the "cushion" of the disc is getting less and less. Anyways, its all causing the pain, pressing on nerves etc. The good news is that even with all of that going on, my spinal canal looks in real good shape. There is no narrowing of that, which is very good news.
My doc said that her office was going to refer me over to the Sports Medicine/Rehabilitation (which is in the same building). When I was done with the doc and was checking out, we set up an appointment for me to see my doc again in 4 weeks and then they said they would call me the next day (which would have been last Thursday, the 11th) with my appointment with the Sports Medicine would be. Well, they still haven't called, and I am running out of time. Like I said, I start back to school on January 5th, and if you take out 4 days for which the office will be closed for the holidays (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, New Years Day), that doesn't leave me much time to get in and get started on doing whatever I need to do to begin the healing of my back so that I am not in the same severe pain etc., when school starts back up. And I really would like to be off the pain medicine too; it dulls my senses and my mind and while it helps with the pain which has been so bad, I feel I need to be off of it for school.
I had called one of my dear friends Friday morning to talk about a few things (she had emailed me) and to see how she was doing and she wanted to know how I was doing. She was on her way to see her chiropractor. So, I told her what the MRI showed, what the doc said they were going to do (refer me to sports med), and that I had not heard anything about any of that yet. I shared with her my frustration and that I wanted to get something started to get the process of healing started on my back, which she totally understood.
So, she went in and talked with her chiropractor about my situation(with my permission). So, a few minutes later, her chiropractors' office called me and said that my friend had shared my situation. They took my name and info etc., and I have an appointment with them this Tuesday! PTL!!!! I am so thankful that I am going to be getting started on the healing process. Now, I know it is probably going to be painful to do this, and that it will take time; that I will have to also do exercises here at home (not a problem), but at least I will be getting started on the process!!! PTL!!! So, thank you dear friend, for connecting me with your chiropractor; and thank the Lord for the email I received from her that morning that prompted me to call her!!! Again, the Lord is in the details!!!!
I went to church last night with one of my friends from my small group. She picked me up so that I could take my medicine and not be in pain during the service, but be able to go. It was a good service and I enjoyed singing and praising the Lord, even though I had to sit down. The sermon was good also. It was about 'Radical Generosity', 2 Corinthians 8:1-9. It was really good.
Our church is taking a special Christmas offering. Half of the amount that is received in the offering will go to help people/families in our church/community that are having a very tough time because of our economy; perhaps they have been laid-off or have completely lost their job etc. They had intended the whole offering to go to this Project Clean Water, but after they started hearing of people in our church family that were being laid-off or losing their jobs and needed help, they prayed about it and decided to split this special Christmas offering because of the special situations in our community.
The other half will be going overseas for Project Clean Water to help provide money that will help provide clean wells (and therefore clean water) in developing countries that desperately need this like Uganda, India and Central America. Did you know ( I did not know this) that over 3900 children die every day from water-borne diseases because the water is dirty. That is astounding! You can go to http://www.adventconspiracy.org/ to read about this and there is a link on the page if you would like to donate to help get clean water to people all over the world that desperately need it.
My church is also doing a Christmas Eve service, which I am looking forward to attending. Actually they are having 2 Christmas Eve services. One is at 5pm, which I believe is more family oriented; there will be a kid's live nativity and Christmas carols along with Pastor Steve sharing. The 7pm service is going to be more 'adult', I believe. We will have candlelight time of worship and praise in celebration of Jesus Christs' birth. If you are interested in learning more about these services or any of our services etc., in general, go to http://www.enewlife.com/. Come out for any of the services, but I think the Christmas Eve services will be very special.
Well, my final campaign that I volunteered with this summer/fall finally finished all of the counting of ballots and a couple of things that had to run through the courts. It was the race for the 15th Ohio District for the US House. Anyhow, they finally finished it all up the other day, and I am sad to report that Steve Stivers lost the race to his opponent, MaryJo Kilroy. It wasn't even close enough to trigger an automatic recount (which I think a lot of us were hoping for). The numbers would have had to be within 1/2 of 1% to trigger the recount and it was not. So, only one of the campaigns that I volunteered on won, and it was at the state level, which was good, but losing this US House seat and also the Presidency was very disappointing. Never fear though, it won't be long before campaigning will start up again for different things, and we will be hard back at work at it!
Well, I guess that's it for now. Just wanted to let you know how things turned out for school
I hope that ya'll are doing well. I hope that everyone who was also in college this fall and is now on break, did well also. I prayed for all of us.
Ya'll enjoy your Christmas season with your family and friends. Remember that JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON! And don't be afraid to say 'MERRY CHRISTMAS' to people instead of the politically correct 'Happy Holidays'. Say it loud and proud!! May God bless you and yours at this special time of year!
"O, Holy Night" by Josh Groban:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTgMe5demPc
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Remembering Pearl Harbor
Today is the 67th Anniversary of the Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Their attack, the first ever on American soil, brought our country into WWII.
Over 2400 Americans died that day, many of them on the USS Arizona.
There are not that many WWII Veterans left among us today, so if you come across one, be sure and thank them for their service in WWII.
May God bless those who died that day and throughout our participation in WWII. May God continue to bless America.
Thank you, WWII Veterans!
Eternal Father (Strong to Save) also know as the Navy Hymn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bnm-4kSLKdI
Over 2400 Americans died that day, many of them on the USS Arizona.
There are not that many WWII Veterans left among us today, so if you come across one, be sure and thank them for their service in WWII.
May God bless those who died that day and throughout our participation in WWII. May God continue to bless America.
Thank you, WWII Veterans!
Eternal Father (Strong to Save) also know as the Navy Hymn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bnm-4kSLKdI
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