What I Like About Christmas

 John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Christmas is one of my favorite times of year because of the festive decorations, parties and most people just seem to be in good spirits....I don't care for the shopping and spending money on things we would not normally purchase any other time of year but overall it is still one of my favorite holidays! With my kids and grand-kids I try to just spend time in celebration as much as possible and on the 25th I cook up a traditional southern breakfast.

This is something I have done all of their lives and it is the only tradition that we still carry on today. I am so grateful because it is a wonderful family time and we are in agreement to keep it going.  I feel it is the BEST part of our day together!

Some years my mother travels from Spain to spend the holidays with us so that makes it even more special. Also, I use as many family members things to add to the tradition such as my dads dishes, my grandmothers goblets & my mother n laws trays so their memories live on with us....It's just a magical time of year for us as a family ~ 

  It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air. 
- W. T. Ellis

 This picture was taken of one of my grandbabies in 2012!

I Want Friends With Courage

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and is born, as is a brother, for adversity. 

written December 23, 2010:
When I choose my friends I look for certain qualities...one of them being a sense of humor which is very important to me. The other important quality I look for is a friend who has the courage to stick up for me should the time arise and a sense of loyalty. The story below I thought was a great way to describe what I look for in a friend.....

IF A DOG WERE YOUR TEACHER, You would learn stuff like.....

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

When it's in your best interest -- practice obedience.

Let others know when they've invaded your territory.

Take naps and stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout...run right back and make friends.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

There is no love quite as unconditional as the love a pet can give!

 This picture was taken at the zoo when I visited in 2012.

A Busy Christmas

 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:39-42 

Martha's priorities sound so much like all of us at Christmas. We concern ourselves so much with all the details of the holiday that we forget to spend time with our Savior. It seems that all the other things become the priority of the season. 

Jesus tells Martha that there is only one thing necessary in life. According to the passage, it seems that Mary has figured out what that is. Mary stopped everything to listen to God. Let's not tell ourselves that if Jesus were with us in flesh and blood then we too would stop everything. God wants a relationship with us and has provided His Word and the Holy Spirit within us. 

We can still listen to Christ just as easily as Mary did unless we are too busy just as Martha was to hear Him. 

This picture was taken at Sunset on the lake in Door County Wisconsin in 2009.