Random Dozen 12/30/09

1. Do you find it gross to share drinks with family? Friends? Not usually.

2. What have you learned this year? (You didn't see a question of that weight coming, did you? At least not for #2.)That no matter what you think you know......God always has something else to teach you about it.


3. When do you dismantle the Christmas decorations? It totally depends on my mood and time available. I usually take the tree down first but leave the decorations up till after the new year.

4. Something you wish to accomplish before the end of 2009 is: Take pictures of the house all decorated.

5. How do you feel about winter (after Christmas)? I'm so over it and ready for spring.

6. Have you participated in after-Christmas sales? Oh yes. Some clothing bargains and Christmas decoration deals.

7. Do you have plans for New Year's Eve? Spending the evening with my wonderful husband.

8. Is there anything special awaiting you in January? Graduation in May!

9. If your life this year was a movie, what category or genre would it be? (Romance, Comedy, Drama, Thriller, Suspense, Farcical, etc.)  Definitely a farcical!

10. How much time per day do you spend blogging? Please do not lie. I will know. Entirely too much. Something I clearly need to work on in 2010. Better time management.

11. Who runs your household? Runs it where exactly?

12. Share one hope/dream for 2010. That all three children would be in rather than out at the same time. See #9 above.

God's blessings to you and your family as we greet 2010.


Peace and Joy,
Susan

John 16:33 (NIV) ³³"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

 

Glory to God

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)⁶ For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,       Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Like a Child

May the message and the spirit of Christmas touch your life with peace, your heart with joy. Today, This Day, share the joy and peace of Jesus with your family and friends.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Micah 5:2 (NKJV) The Coming Messiah    ² “ But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me       The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.”

Out of the Mouth of a Babe

O Holy Night - incredible child singer 7 yrs old

Praise His glorious name today, This Day.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Luke 2:6-7 (NKJV)⁶ So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. ⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

A Tribute Poem

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.  

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
 

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.  

 
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
 

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.  

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
 

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.  

 
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
 

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts.

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
 

"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.  

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
 

My Gramps died at '  Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.  

 
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile..
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
 

I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.  

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
 

I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.."  

 
"  So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
 

It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."  

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
 

To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

Christmas will soon be here. Please remember our U.S service men and women and give them credit for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in some small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us. Pray for them and their family members at home while they serve. 

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Luke 2:13-14 (NIV) ¹³Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ¹⁴"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.

 

My Hubby's Birthday

That's right. Mr. Wonderful Himself is having a birthday today! We celebrated last night and had dinner at one of his favorite places. His food of choice? A huge T-bone steak and for dessert creme brulee.

He is such a blessing in my life. I've tried to think of one word that best describes him but when I typed his name in the Thesaurus these are the words that come up: compassionate, kind, honest, integrity, honorable, sincere, humorous, weird, and a fruit cake. ahahaha  His greatest attribute is that he has a heart towards God and a desire to serve Him.  

Happy Birthday my dear husband. I love you with all my heart.


Peace and Joy,
Susan

Luke 1:68-70 (NKJV) ⁶⁸ “ Blessed is the Lord God of Israel,       For He has visited and redeemed His people, ⁶⁹ And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of His servant David,   ⁷⁰ As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, Who have been since the world began,

The Christmas Story as told by Children

The story of Christmas as told by pre-school and kindergarten students. This is precious. I hope you are amused and touched by the simple hearts of these children. I was.



Share the Christmas story with someone today, This Day.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Matthew 2:1 (NKJV) ¹ Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem,

Thankful Thursday - 12/17/09

It's Thankful Thursday!!! This is the day each week that I join Sonya at Truth 4 the Journey and list five things that I'm thankful for. They can be serious or silly, big or small because God honors them all. Here's my list for this week:

1. I'm thankful for my wonderful husband. He has worked endless hours on the small details to make our house a home.

2.  I'm grateful for my abnormally normal family. Sometimes we're the Griswolds and sometimes we're the Waltons. Well, maybe not to that extreme, but you know exactly what I'm talking about. Don't you?

3. I'm thankful for the gift of Jesus. He came. Thank you, Lord.

4. I'm thankful for Christmas break. I get seven work days off. Pretty sweet!

5. I'm thankful for a safe, fun, and educational trip to Las Vegas. It was a great networking conference full of so much information that it will take me months to get through it all. There was also time for fun and relaxation. Oh yeah....and the food!

Please leave me a comment and tell me what you're thankful for today, This Day. If you'd like to join in, post your own list then hop on over to Sonya's and link up. 

May the love and joy of Christ shine through you that others may know Him. Merry Christmas to all.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Matthew 1:20-21 (NKJV) ²⁰ But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. ²¹ And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Random Dozen -12/16/09

1. Gingerbread: For or against? Discuss. I love ginger snaps. Oh wait.....you said ginger bread. hmmmm I make a scrumptious ginger/pumpkin trifle that uses ginger bread. So, I guess that's a for.

2. Is it important to you to always stay (live) close to family? I guess that's a no since I've lived hundreds of miles from my family most of my adult life. I do miss them, especially at holidays, birthday, and the like.

3. Which holiday pretend character do you wish really existed? Frosty the Snowman so we could sing and dance and play.

4. Which holiday movie best represents how you feel about Christmas or life? I'll have to get back to you on this one.


5. Is there a particular Christmas song that you're enjoying now? Any that you're tired of? I love the traditional Christmas songs: The First Noel, Silent Night, Away in a Manger, Hark the Herald. I never tire of them.

6. What is your favorite way to remember those less fortunate at Christmastime? Donating toys, coats, and food to various shelters.

7. Does it upset you to see "Xmas" instead of Christmas? How about "Happy Holidays" etc., instead of "Merry Christmas?" Nope. Merry Hannukwanzmas! As long as HE IS the central theme what does it matter?

8. How many Christmas programs are you attending this month? Sadly, only one. I missed the grand-boy's program because I didn't know about it. (That's a topic for another blog post.)

9. Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Any chance of that dream becoming a reality? I'm dreaming of it being white for Christmas at someone else's house. I'm so over snow and cold. Don't get me wrong, it's great to look at and play in (see #3), but it's such a bother to drive in. It's just hard to get that Harley down the road when there's snow on the roads.

10. Tell me about a Christmas present you received as a child. Pics are always nice. The one that still sticks out in my mind is a kitchen set I received when I was about 5. There was a sink, stove, and refrigerator. I loved it.

11. How many Christmas parties are you attending this month? Two down.....two to go.

12. How do you keep yourself centered on the significance of Christmas? By daily seeking God's help to show and tell others about the birth of Jesus. 


If you'd like to join in with your own answers, hop on over to Lid's by clicking here. 

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Luke 1:30-33 (NKJV)³⁰ Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. ³¹ And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. ³² He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. ³³And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

The Hope of Christmas

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Matthew 2:4-6 (New King James Version) ⁴ And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. ⁵ So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:  ⁶ ‘ But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’”

Christmas Poem

Jesus Christ was born this day so many years before

He came a servant to the lost, though He was Lord of lords

We celebrate this joyous time, reflecting on His birth

Not born in a mansion but a stable, as if He had no worth

He came so He could identify with the human heart of man

And gave His life as a sacrifice, offering a better plan

A plan that reconciles us back to our loving Father God

Bringing hope and redemption from sin's ruling rod

For this is the only reason that we should celebrate this day

To become focused on anything else would take the meaning away

So let's arise with joy in our hearts

And share it with everyone

The meaning of Christmas will always be the birth of Jesus Christ.

Please share the meaning of Christmas with someone today, This Day. You'll be sharing joy unspeakable and full of glory.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Isaiah 7:14 (NKJV) ¹⁴ Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.^[a]

Footnotes:

1. Isaiah 7:14 Literally God-With-Us

Letter from Jesus about Christmas

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that, let Me go on. It if bothers you that the town in which yo live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that, there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because ther would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1-8.

If you want to give Me a present in rememberance of My birth, here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldires away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time. Editor's note: here's an address for you: A Recovering American Soldier; c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center; 6900 George Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20307-5001
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up... it will be nice hearing from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know what that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.
7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day, they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary -- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.
9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know the, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.
10. Finally, If you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I ahve told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love....and remember:

I love you!
Jesus
***********************************************************
One of the class presentations was making candy cane reindeer which was donated to a local nursing home. Which from the list of 10 will you do today, This Day to share the love of Jesus?

Peace and Joy,
Susan

John 6:35 (NKJV) And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.

Off the Grid

Thank you so very much for all your encouragement, kind words, and prayers. They mean more to me than you will ever know.

I'll be "off the grid" for a few days. Today was my final team demonstration and presentation, then I'm headed to a Christmas party, then packing. Early tomorrow I'm headed to a conference and won't get back until LATE Wednesday night. Actually, it will be after midnight Thursday morning when I finally get home. Oh, don't feel too sorry for me. I'm headed to Vegas and the conference is at Caesar's Palace.

My pal, Jess, is traveling with me and we are doing a spa at Caesar's. I can barely wait. I so need the break and relaxation. They have a whole "spa experience" that includes relaxing in the Roman baths and saunas. Doesn't that sound just delicious? It's totally segregated so I'm good with that.

We're also eating at Mesa Grill. If you're not familiar with that restaurant, Bobby Flay from the Food Network is the owner.  We'll have one other evening for dinner out and we're just winging it. We will have so much fun. We always do.

Have any of you done a spa treatment before? If you could indulge in one luxury this Christmas season as a gift to yourself what would it be?

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 122:8 (NIV)  For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, "Peace be within you."

Thankful Thursday - 12/3/09

This is the day each week that I join Sonya at Truth 4 the Journey in giving thanks for my many blessings. They can be silly or serious, big or small because God honors them all.

1. Thank you, God, for my wonderful husband. He always lifts my spirits now matter what the situation. He has a wonderful sense of humor....tho sometimes a little warped. Ok....a lot warped. But that's one of the things I love about him. Like teaching the grand-boy to make up silly songs.

2. Thank you Lord.....the semester is almost over. I'll be finished Saturday. Woooohoooo!

3. Thank you Lord that next semester is my last and I will finally graduate. I couldn't have gotten this far with out Your help.

4. Thank you, God, that the internship proposal was accepted and my boss is flexible with my work schedule to allow me to complete this degree requirement.

5. Praise you, Lord, for this glorious Christmas season. It's an honor and a privilege to celebrate the birth of your dear Son.

What are you thankful for today, This Day? Please leave me a comment and be sure to hop on over to Sonya's to link up and join in.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Hebrews 1:1-2 (NKJV) ¹ God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, ² has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;

Random Dozen - 12/02/09

1. Which Wizard of Oz character are you most like? Definitely the Scarecrow....cause sometimes, "I haven't got a brain." My wonderful hubby would concur with this. I'm clearly blond...some days the roots run a little bit deeper than on other days.

2. When you're deciding what you're going to wear each morning, which item do you select first? Why? I generally start with a pair of slacks and build from there. Why? I'm so glad you asked. Because I have lots of tops to go with a few pants.

3. What kind of animal do you think the world could live without? I have no clue on the animal. Now if we were talking bugs....

4. How many Christmas trees are in your home? Not a single one. My wonderful husband disposed of both of them during the move. Oh wait.....we do have one little four footer. Guess that's what we're using this year. Now in his defense, I have to say that the pre-lit one had a place in it where the lights no longer worked and the other tree needed lights which neither of us really wanted to mess with.

5. Would you prefer to be emotionless if it mean you didn't have to feel a heartbreak? Absolutely not! Emotionless means no compassion towards others too. Gotta have that!

6. Do you ever experience holiday let-down or depression? I thought that was a tradition for everyone.

7. Do you like Michael Jackson's music? Some of it...yes; some....no. But I'm that way with other musicians too.

8. Why is it that we never judge people who have their teeth fixed for cosmetic reasons, but every other cosmetic procedure has a stigma? I have no idea.

9. Enjoy horseback riding? Oh yes.....I've been around horses since the age of 12. I miss having animals.

10. Shoes--practical or stylish? They have to be both for me.

11. What was the name of your first pet? Feel free to post a pic. Frisky

12. What percentage of your Christmas shopping is done?25% 


If you'd like to join in.....just hop on over to Linda's at 2nd Cup of Coffee by clicking on the icon at the top of the page.


Peace and Joy,
Susan

John 1:1-2 (NIV) ¹In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ²He was with God in the beginning.