2011

At the beginning of this year, I decided that I wouldn't write new years resolutions, but that I would try to concentrate on two words that God seemed to be impressing upon me, "grace" and "communications". I wrote out some goals that I would like to concentrate on:

Give grace. Love people as they are, simply because God loves them.

Be a better communicator. Express my thoughts and feeling more concisely and also be a better listener.

Unfortunately, the first half of the year I spent most of the time feeling down. My depression was not being controlled by the medication I was on. In June, I finally contacted my doctor and he prescribe a new medication... this was the beginning of several changes in medication over the next several months. There were many ups and down before we came to a combination that seems to work well for me.

To tell you the truth, I forgot all about my words "grace" and "communications". I love how God is faithful even when we are not faithful. As I look back on this year I realize that God was speaking those words into my life even when I was unaware.

Grace... through the depression I had to give myself a lot of grace. I had to relearn that God's love for me wasn't conditional on how I felt or what I got accomplished... He simply loves me! He made me and He delights in me.

Communication...God taught me so much about communication this year. There have been 4 books that I read that have been instrumental in my learning. Tom had given me the devotional "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. I didn't really pick it up until in July when I was feeling better, but God immediately started speaking to me through it and encouraged me to speak with Him also. It helped me strengthen my love relationship with Him.

The second book was "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp. This book I heard about on one of the blogs that I read daily. This book taught me that thanksgiving needs to be a part of my conversation with God. He is continually giving all of us precious gifts most that we are too busy to recognize or acknowledge. I started to keep a "one thousand gifts'" journal and started expressing my thanks to God.

The third book was "Recovering from Losses in Life" by H. Norman Wright. This book was recommended to me by three precious ladies Robin, Kay, and Stacy, who recognized that I had unresolved grief. God taught me through this book that I needed to listen to my feelings and learn to express them.

The fourth book was "Emotionally Healthy Spirituality" by Peter Scazzero. This book was also recommended to me by my friend Robin. This book examines the connections between our emotional health and our spiritual health and why so many Christians are hurting themselves and others. God spoke to me about learning to express my hurts and deal with problems in a godly fashion. Through this book God has encouraged me to finish my sabbatical from church.. to re-establish a relationship with other believers.... communicating and giving grace!

So 2011 really has been a year of grace and communication! Thank You God!


Highlights of 2011 in pictures

Jesus' peace

"As this year draws to a close receive My Peace. This is still your deepest need, and I your Prince of Peace, long to pour Myself into your neediness. My abundance and your emptiness are a perfect match...Whisper My Name in loving tenderness. My Peace, which lives continually in your spirit, will gradually work its way through you entire being." Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

John 14:26-27 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to rememberance all that I said to you. Peace, I leave with you; My peace I give you...

*****

As 2011 comes to a close and 2012 begins, let's let the peace of Christ permeate our being.

*****

one thousand gifts
402. the closing of 2012--a year filled with God's blessings:
new life, Asher Thomas
health and safety for my family
change in medication and improvement over depression
provision for our every need and many of our wants
God's word spoken to me through the Bible, His creation, books, people
and especially the devotional "Jesus Calling"

true self

"I am leading you along a way that is uniquely right for you. The closer to Me you grow, the more fully you become your true self--the one I designed you to be."
Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

II Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature, the old things have passed away; behold new things have come.

*****

God has made each one of us with different temperaments, personalities, and talents. He has made you to be like no one else. He loves who you are and who you are becoming in Him. He loves me for who I am and also who I am becoming. Lately, I see more of my true self coming through... I feel more at peace and my joy is being restored! In what ways can you see your true self coming through since you've been walking with God?


one thousand gifts
398. money back from my oral surgeon
399. protection through the night
400. God always with me
401. my true self

trust steps

"I care as much about your tiny trust-steps through daily life as about your dramatic leaps of faith...Consistently trusting in Me is vital to flourishing in My Presence."
Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Psalm 62:8 Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge to us.

*****

Part of loving God is trusting Him. Trusting Him in the big and the small. What is God asking you to trust Him with today?

Organizing and Cleaning

Tuesday, I took down the Christmas decorations. Then spent over 3 hours taking off the lights from our pre-lit Christmas tree.

Wednesday, I put back the normal decorations on the mantle, bookshelves, end tables, and coffee table. Then I put addresses in my new address book.

Thursday, Put together this years pages in my Christmas Memory Book.

God our refuge and strength

"I am your refuge and strength, an ever-present Help in trouble. Therefore, you don't need to be afraid of anything--not even cataclysmic circumstances. The media are increasingly devoted to fear-inducing subject matter: terrorism, serial killers, environmental catastrophes. If you focus on such dangers and forget that I am your Refuge in all circumstances, you will become increasingly fearful." Jesus Calling

Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change...

*****

What have you been fearing? What has you worried? God is your refuge and strength and ever present help in trouble. Rely on Him to care for you.


one thousand gifts
394. refuge and strength
395. a warm home

preparation

"I am preparing you for what is on the road ahead, just around the bend. Take time to be still in My Presence so that I can strengthen you." Jesus Calling

John 15:5 I am the vine, you are the branches, he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.


*****

I love this week after Christmas. I use this time to put away the Christmas decorations, but also as a time of organizing and planning for the new year. I am so thankful that God already know what my future brings and is busy preparing me for what lies ahead.

one thousand gifts
391. sharing Christmas with my family in Illinois
392. a light snow dusting the outside world
392. God's light touch as He guides me

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from my family to your family!

birth and rebirth

"As you celebrate the wonder of My birth in Bethlehem, celebrate also your rebirth into eternal life. Receive My gift with awe and humility. Take time to explore the vast dimensions of My Love. Allow thankfulness to flow freely from your heart in response to My glorious gift. Let My peace rule in your heart and be thankful."
Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

*****

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.


It is through our belief in Jesus as our Savior that we are reborn. Truly Jesus is the reason that we can celebrate. Let's take some time today to thank Him.


One thousand gifts
385. Tom home from a trip... home for Christmas!
386. Tom making more goodies for my family
386. birth and rebirth

Our Advent Tree

Many people have advent calendars that they use to count down the days until Christmas. We have our advent tree...we are counting down the days to Christmas by the sections of lights that go off!

worship

"Nurture well your trust in Me as Savior, Lord, and Friend. I have held back nothing in My provision for you. I have even deigned to live within you! Rejoice in all that I have done for you, and My Light will shine through you into the world."
Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Psalm 95:6-7 Come let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand.

*****

Come let us worship and bow down!

one thousand gifts
383. Jesus my Savior, Lord, Friend, Provision, Light, Maker, and Shepherd

first knitting project

Finished my first knitting project... a small scarf. Not good enough for outside wear, but not bad for my first scarf. Amelia will have fun playing dress up with it... after all it does match several pairs of ladies gloves that I have!






Learning to purl stitch now. Looking forward to taking some classes, joining a knitting club, or just finding someone to teach me.

the miracle of Jesus conception

"...Ponder the majestic mystery of the Incarnation...Instead of trying to comprehend My incarnation intellectually, learn from the example of the wise men. They followed the leading of a spectacular star, then fell down in humble worship when they found Me. Praise and worship are the best response to the wonder of My Being."
Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Luke 1:35 ..."The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy offspring shall be called the Son of God.

Matthew 2:9-11 And having heard the king, they went on their way; and lo, the star, which they had seen in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the Child was. And when they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.

*****

When you think about the miracle of Jesus and his birth, what will your response be?



one thousand gifts
381. the miracle of Jesus conception
382. the miracle of all conceptions
383. the miracle of my conceptions, Andy and Matt

Asher's brace

On Monday, Asher went to the doctor about his hip-displasia. His left hip was in the socket, but could slip out, so he was fitted for his brace. He will have to wear this for several weeks, possibly months. Amelia also had dip displasia and had to wear a similar brace for months. Thankfully, the brace does not seem to hurt or cause discomfort. Please pray for a fast healing!

Asher with his brace



Kelly and Amelia giving Asher some love!

miracles

"Miracles are not always visible to the naked eye, but those who live by faith can see them clearly. Living by faith, rather than sight, enables you to see My Glory."
Jesus Calling by Sarah Young


II Corinthians 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight.

John 11:40 Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you, if you believe, you will see the glory of God." (Jesus talking to Martha just before He raised Lazarus from the grave!)

******

What miracles are we missing because we are looking with our eyes instead of looking at things through faith? God open our hearts to see You today!


one thousand gifts
379. the miracle of Jesus, Emanuel, God with us
380. the miracles that happen all around me--whether I see them or not

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero

Peter Scazzero writes, "God made us as whole people, in His image (see Genesis 1:27). That image includes physical, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and social dimensions...Ignoring any aspect of who we are as men and women made in God's image always results in destructive consequences-- in our relationship with God, with others, and with ourselves."

Jesus on the cross

Luke 23:35 And the people stood by looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, "He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One."

Jesus could have saved Himself, but instead chose to save us!

one thousand gifts
376. Tom and Amelia feeding the birds
377. a blue bird in flight
378. Jesus choosing to save me, instead of Himself

clutter

"Don't be weighted down by the clutter in your life: lots of little chores to be done sometime in no particular order. If you focus to much on these petty tasks, trying to get them all out of the way, you will discover they are endless. They can eat up as much time as you devote to them... Instead of trying to do all your chores at once, choose the ones that need to be done today. Let the rest slip into the background of your mind, so I can be in the forefront of your awareness... Let My Presence bring order to your thoughts, infusing Peace into your entire being."
Jesus Calling

Proverbs 16:3 Commit you works to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

Matthew 6:33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you.

*****

What is cluttering your mind this morning? Let's prioritize our chores that need to get done today and then focus on God.

God our teacher

"When you are plagued by a persistent problem-- one that goes on and on-- view it a a rich opportunity. An ongoing problem is like a tutor, who is always by your side. The learning possibilities are limited only by your willingness to be teachable."
Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Isaiah 30:20-21 Although the Lord has given you a bread of privation and water of oppression He,your teacher, will no longer hide Himself, but your eyes will behold your teacher. And your ears will hear a word behind you, "This is the way, walk in it," whenever you turn to the right or to the left.

*****

What situation or problem is happening in your life that God is wanting to use to teach you?

one thousand gifts
374. neighbors
375. feeling well enough to go to a Christmas party!

ruined Christmas surprise

I ruined another Christmas surprise. I seem to do it almost every year. I don't mean to. In fact this year I was being so careful not to buy myself anything in the month of December. But then I was in Target picking up a few items and I passed the bulletin boards. Usually the last week of December I get organized for the new year (not that the organization carries through for the whole year, but that is another post!) That week, one of the things I do is take down last years pictures that we received at Christmas and put up the new ones. I have been needing a larger bulletin board and decided it was time to buy one. It was not! When I told Tom about my new bulletin board, he got this funny look on his face. I have seen this look before... it is the one that says I had spoiled another one of his Christmas gifts! He went outside and got a roll of cork and told me he had planned to make me a bulletin board. The good news is that now I have a larger bulletin board in my office and will have a bulletin board by my potting table in the garage! The bad news is that I ruined another surprise!

compete in Christ

"Come to Me with your gaping emptiness, knowing that in Me you are complete... Facing the emptiness inside you is just a prelude to being filled with My fullness. Jesus Calling

Colossians 2:9-10 For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, ...

*****

Even in this blessed season we can feel empty. We can be so busy "doing" that we forget the most important thing is not what we do, but who we are. Remember that you are complete in Christ. You are loved.

one thousand gifts

372. snow at Christmas time

373. completeness in Christ

special prayer for today

safety for Andy, Kelly, Amelia, and Asher as they travel to Michigan for Kelly's family Christmas

the language of God is love

"I am speaking in the depth of your being. Be still, so that you can hear My voice. I speak in the language of love. My words fill you with life and peace, joy and hope." Jesus Calling

I Corinthians 13:4-8 Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous, love does not brag, and is not arrogant, does not act unbecoming, it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with truth; bears all thing, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails...

****

Yesterday, we took Amelia and Asher to visit Santa at the mall. It was a sweet experience. It was really a picture of how God is with us. Santa was so patient and kind. He talked soft spoken and even took the time to read Amelia a book that she brought to show him. God is just like that with us. He loves for us to climb in His lap and talk with Him.

Let's spend some time with God today, listening to His loving voice.

one thousand gifts

370. "Santa taking the time to read Amelia her Dora book

371. God always taking time to be with me and speak to me in the language of love

A visit to Santa

We went with Kelly to take Amelia and Asher to visit Santa at the mall.

What a great experience!

Amelia's first glimpse of Santa:

Asher wasn't that excited to meet Santa:

Amelia sitting on Santa's lap:

Santa reading to Amelia:

Asher, Santa, and Amelia:

Santa gave Amelia a candy cane. She loved it. Even if it was messy:

hope and heaven

"Your longing for heaven is good, because it is an extension of your yearning for Me. The hope of heaven is meant to strengthen and encourage you, filling you with wondrous joy. Many Christians misunderstand this word hope, believing that it denotes wishful thinking. Nothing could be farther from the truth. As soon as I became your Savior, heaven became your ultimate destination." Jesus Calling

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.

Romans 8:23-25 ...we ourselves groan within ourselves waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. For in hope we have been saved, but hope seen is not hope; for why does one also hope for what he sees. But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.

*****

Hope is the Bible is the Greek word elpis. It comes from the word elpo which means to anticipate with pleasure. Elpis means faith, hope. But this hope doesn't mean wishful thinking, it means expectant surety. When we became Christians we are promised that we will spend eternity with God in heaven-- and God never lies.

one thousand gifts

366. Christmas lights decorating peoples homes

367. watching Tom read to Amelia

368. rain that replenishes the ground

369. the surety of heaven

focus

"Rest in Me, My child, forgetting about the worries of the world. Focus on Me--Emanuel-- and let My living Presence envelop you in Peace. Tune in to My eternal security, for I am the same yesterday, today, and forever. If you live on the surface of life by focusing on ever-changing phenomena, you will find yourself echoing the words of Solomon: "Meaningless! Meaningless! Everything is meaningless!" Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever.

******

If we keep our focus on Jesus, we will feel His peace. If our focus is on Jesus, we will see the world through His eyes. If our focus is on Jesus, we will love as He loves. What will your focus be on today?

one thousand blessings

363. Tom safely home from Australia

364. the right medications and feeling so much better

365. Jesus the same: yesterday, today, and forever

Chicago

My hate-affair with Chicago continues. I know that Matt loves living there, but bad things just seem to happen in Chicago. Last night Matt was riding his bike home, peddling through on a green light, when the person with a red light turned into him. Thankfully, his bike was hit not him, he had his helmet on, and the other car wasn't going fast. He fell, but ended up with only bruises... and some more anger for Chicago car drivers!

Tom happened to be planning to stay with Matt overnight. Tom was coming home from Australia and didn't land until 9pm and would probably be too tired to drive home that late. Matt and he had planned to grab dinner out, but decided that they would rather order a pizza and stay home. This morning when Tom went to get in his car... it had been towed. Guess the place that he and Matt thought was okay to park in, wasn't. Tom had to walk 2 miles to the lot to pick up his car. $160 later, he started his drive home.

I know that Chicago has many great attributes, but it just seems to do me wrong.

Chicago is not my kind of town.

http://www.freefoto.com/images/1225/03/1225_03_11_prev.jpg

be holy

"Take time to be holy. The word holy does not mean goody-goody; it means set apart for sacred use." Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

I Cor 6:9 Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own.

*****

If we have accepted Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirit has come to live in us. Just like the temple in the Old Testament, God has come to dwell in us. The temple was made of precious materials and constructed precisely as God had commanded. We too are made according to His plan. Through out history the temple has been used to honor God, but also at times has been profaned and used to honor man.

What are you using your temple for: to glorify God or for yourself?

one thousand gifts

360. Amelia's "Oh my goodness, Mimi, you crack me out!"

361. Matt a little bruised, but OK after being hit by a car

362. the Holy Spirit living in me

not by chance

"Because the world is in an abnormal, fallen condition, people tend to think that chance governs the universe. Events may see to occur randomly, with little or not meaning... I am taking care of you. Feel the warmth and security of being enveloped in My loving Presence. Every detail of your life is under My control. Moreover, everything fits in to a pattern for good to those who love Me, and are called according to my purpose. " Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

*****

Our world is not controlled by chance, but by our Sovereign God.

one thousand gifts

256. dreams

257. as play day with Amelia

258. warm macaroni and cheese

259. a sovereign God who loves us and orders our world

dreams

"Bring Me your concerns, including your dreams. Talk with Me about everything, letting the Light of My Presence shine on your hopes and plans. Spend time allowing My Light to infuse your dreams with life, gradually transforming them into reality." Jesus Calling

Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.

*****

What are you dreaming? Webster says that a dream means a fond hope. I think as we get older we forget to dream. Maybe we've already gotten what we used to dream about when we were young, or maybe we are disappointed because we still don't have what we dreamed, or maybe you come from a family like mine that never really encouraged you to dream.

My family had many wonderful attributes: faith in God, moral convictions, strong family ties; but we were firmly rooted in the reality of the moment. I don't think I ever heard my parents dream about the future. Maybe they had many dreams, but just didn't express them. Whatever the case, I have had difficulty dreaming over the years.

Tom was a great dreamer, but I think I have been a dream crusher to him. Not that I don't want him to have dreams and realize them. I have just not encouraged him when he has talked about them. I don't want to be a dream crusher anymore.

I want to learn to dream and encourage others to dream. To take an idea, something that I want, and let it blossom in my heart. To think about it and hope for it. Talk to God about it and talk to others about it. To encourage others to do the same.

In fact, I think I have a dream. I have the idea, something I want. Now, I need to let it blossom in my heart, to think about it, hope for it, and talk to God about it. Maybe I can even share it with you all soon.... but that takes bravery and I am not there yet. After all this dreaming is new to me!

What are you dreaming? Is there something that has been on your mind and in your heart? Is it something that you want or is it something that you are wanting to do? Are you brave enough to share it with me?

adversity

"In the darkness of adversity, you are able to see more clearly the radiance of My face."

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Psalm 139:10 Even there Thy hand will lead me. And Thy right hand will lay hold of me.

******

What situations and trials are making your life seem dark? Remember that you are never alone.

Jesus is there--look to Him for guidance, comfort, and love. Take your eyes off the dark and focus on Jesus' radiance.

one thousand gifts

350. two hours spent with Autie

351. sharing Dad's chili

352. the smell of fresh cut trees

353. a safe trip home

354. a beautiful sunset

355. the radiance of Jesus face

needs

"Your needs and My riches are a perfect fit. I never meant for you to be self-sufficient. Instead I designed you to need Me not only for daily bread, but also for fulfillment of deep yearnings."

Jesus Calling by Sara Young

Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

*****

What are you needing today? Is it daily bread? Or do you have a deep yearning that needs to be fulfilled? God knows of your needs. Go to Him so that He will supply them.

one thousand gifts

347. sunshine

348. peace and safety through the night

349. all my needs met through Jesus

Christmas Candy

There is a tradition in both Tom and my families of making Christmas candies and cookies. My Dad did not cook, but he did make fudge and peanut brittle at Christmas time. Tom's Father

also was the one to make candy. Several years ago, Tom took over making our traditional Christmas goodies. Tom decided that if he was making candy and cookies for our family, he would make some for our neighbors also. The tradition has grown to include our family,

neighbors, postman, banker, church, etc. I think there will be around 20 plates this year.

This was his ingredients list:

3 lbs butter

10 lbs sugar

72 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips

3 bags of raw peanuts

1 bag of powdered sugar

12 oz. coconut

24oz box of Rice Krispies

6 bags of marshmallows

8 oz. of chopped pecans

24 oz evaporated milk

1 can condensed milk

4 cups Karo syrup

2 bags of pretzels

vanilla

red and green food coloring

Amelia decided that she wanted to help Papa.

Amelia in her apron waiting her turn to stir.

She was not sure what she thought about the red color.

She liked dropping the coconut balls into the chocolate,

but she did have to be reminded not to lick her fingers!

Tom putting the plates together.

one of the goodies plate

the card Tom enclosed with the goodies

the inside message

Amelia helped deliver the plates to our neighbors.

Having her participate made this years tradition even more special.

the unseen

"Learn to look steadily at Me in all your moments and all your circumstances. Though the world is unstable and in flux, you can experience continuity through your uninterrupted awareness of My Presence. Fix your eyes on the unseen, even as the visible world parades before you eyes."

Jesus Calling

II Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not see; for the things that are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

*****

I can get so caught up in the things that I see, that I often forget that what is unseen is so much more important. I see the grumpy cashier and not what has caused her to be grumpy. I see the gloomy skies and not the sun shining behind the clouds. I see the hatred, wars, and discord in this world and not God's love, peace and sovereignty. I want to take a closer look at things today and see with my heart instead of my eyes. How about you? What are you seeing?

one thousand gifts

344. Amelia's "Bless you Papa" after Tom sneezed

345. Amelia helping Tom distribute goodies

346. the beauty in the unseen

Stay Close to Jesus

"Stay ever so close to Me, and you will not deviate from the path I have prepared for you. This is the most efficient way to stay on track, it is also the most enjoyable way." Jesus Calling

Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt make known to me the path of life. In Thy presence is fullness of joy. In Thy right hand there are pleasures forever.

*****

Staying close to Jesus is up to us. He is always available and waiting to be with us. We have only to open our hearts to His presence. During this season we can get so caught up in the things we need to get done, that we forget to spend time with Jesus, the reason that we are celebrating!

one thousand gifts

343. another morning and day to spend with Jesus

God is in this place

"Whenever you feel distant from Me, say 'Surely the Lord is in this place!' Then ask Me to give you awareness of My presence. This is a prayer I delight to answer." Jesus Calling

Genesis 28:16 ..."Surely God is in this place. And I did not know it."

*****

We are never alone. God is always with us! Emanuel= God with us.

one thousand gifts

338. a new printer from neighbor Bill

339. Andy installing printer

340. Tom making Christmas candy

341. wrapping Christmas presents

342. God always near

Christmas Reflections

This is my favorite time of the day during the Christmas season. I get a cup

of hot chocolate, put on some Christmas music, turn off the house lights, and

enjoy the Christmas lights. It is so peaceful and helps me keep the real reason

we celebrate in mind-- the birth of our Savior!

Spending time with God

"Remember who I am when you spend time with Me. Marvel at the wonder of being able to commune with the King of the universe--anytime, any place. Never take this amazing privilege for granted!" Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Colossians 4:2 Devote yourself to prayer, keeping alert with an attitude of thanksgiving.

*****

It is a true privilege to commune with God. That is what prayer is: God talking to me and me talking to God, anytime, anywhere. Amazing!

one thousand gifts

336. worshiping at Brandywine Community Church

337. talking to God--anytime, anywhere

ever present Jesus

"When you struggle to find Me and to live in My Peace, don't let discouragement set in...call upon My Name...those who have drawn near to Me through trustingly uttering My Name will be filled with inexpressible and glorious Joy." Jesus Calling

I Peter 1:8 and although you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory...

*****

Jesus is always near. He Spirit lives in our hearts. When we don't feel Him, we just have to call upon His name and have faith. He always answers!

Prince of Peace

"I am the Prince of Peace... My Peace is steadfastly with you. When you keep your focus on Me, you experience both My Presence and My Peace. Worship Me as King of kings, Lord of Lords, and Prince of peace." Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Isaiah 9:6 For a child will be born to us, a Son given to us, and the government shall be on His shoulders and His name shall be Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

*****

Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He has provided peace between God and us. He brings peace into our hearts. We can now worship Jesus for who He is and what He has done for us. How do you need peace of mind today? Ask God to give you His Peace.

one thousand gifts

230. a beautiful winter moon shining in my windows

231. a peaceful morning

family visit

On Tuesday my Dad, Mom, and sister Pat drove to Indianapolis to meet Asher Thomas

and visit for a few hours. The weather wasn't very agreeable: rain, then sleet, then snow;

but my Dad is a great driver and has been driving in this winter mix for a long while.

They arrived here safely and then made it home safely.

I am so thankful for their visit. I love being in Indianapolis, but I do miss not seeing

my family regularly. I especially miss having them at my house! Tom made a

spicy chicken soup--which was perfect for the wintry weather. We sat around

my dining room table and talked for hours.

Amelia was adorable: she ate lunch, entertained herself looking at books, watched

a "Dora", and then kissed us all before she went to nap! Asher was also adorable

for his introduction to my family. He was actually awake for an hour or so, then ate,

and slept! After everyone left Kelly even got a little nap. Perfect day!

my sister Pat, Mom, and Asher

Great Grandpa and Asher

another one Great Grandpa and Asher

Great Grandma and Asher

me, Mom, and Asher

Amelia watching Dora

Kelly getting her nap!