Christmas started early this year when the Bantons showed up on December 17th. (We knew they were coming.) They stayed until Dec. 21st and it was a hard good-bye. They were the best gifts ever.
We celebrated Christmas as a family on Dec. 23rd. The boys made a huge breakfast of biscuits-compliments of Freeman; scrapple, sausage, hash browns, and scrambled eggs. Phil and I recited the Christmas story-"And there were in the same country..." We exchanged gifts and sang. A few of us played some games and a few did some farm chores and got packed. In the eve., Phil, Susan, and I watched 'Sea Biscuit.' It was a lovely day.
Dec. 24th-Left home between 9 and 10 and headed north. Phil, Susan, and I, stopped in to see Mother for a short visit. Then we headed to Hotel 8-Joe and Karen's. We got settled in and joined nearly 60 others for Christmas caroling in the eve. The after party was a great time to catch up with friends and neighbors. I fell asleep to the hum of voices sometime after 10:30.
Dec. 25-Had a nice breakfast of cinnamon rolls and orange julius. Watched Jonathan open up his gifts. Went to Jim's for church. We sang for a good hour and then Freeman preached the best Christmas sermon I've ever heard. It was based on 1 Peter 5:7-'Casting all your care on Him...' and Phil. 4:6-8-'Be anxious for nothing..' And the way to be anxious for nothing is to meditate on the One who is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praise worthy.
It is because Jesus came as a baby and lived His life as a man and died and rose again that we can cast all our cares on Him and be anxious for nothing.
We also sang "The Hallelujah Chorus" as a family, with Paul leading, with his good hand. He had cut off his thumb (accidently) and had it reattached a week ago. Taylor played his guitar-'Eruption' and Jordan played a magnificent piece on the organ. Several shared testimonies. We were all grateful for our heritage and God's blessing of unity and friendship in this wonderful family.
We then ate a great big lunch together-ham balls, green beans, mashed potatoes, sw. pot. casserole, 7 layer salad, cabbage slaw, and much more. Then we went upstairs and had the sibling male/female gift exchange. Debra liked my gift of a scarf and Susan's cards and I liked Helen's gift of a painting of a country house at Christmas. Phil got Dave's box of goods-Turkey Hill gift card, beef jerky, sunflower seeds, gloves, and Arbonne body butter for the female in his life and Dad liked his orange fluorescent cap with furred ear flaps. We passed out the traditional candy canes. Micah gave his uncles homemade soap with big plastic bugs inside and his aunties received homemade soap with pieces of colorful soap inside. We all were enjoying little Jonathan and David's antics. They are the dearest little one year olds in the world and they are both miracles in every sense of the word. We enjoyed conversations, games, etc. Our family left around 5 to head to my families gathering.'
We arrived at my brother's around 6. He had pork, turkey, and ham with the fixings for a sandwich-chewy fresh rolls, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, mayo, and mustard. He also made his fabulous seafood chowder, asparagus and mushrooms, corn, and I'm sure I am missing something. The rest of us brought desserts but I am still too full to mention all the cakes and cookies. Our family sang some of the Mast/Hertzler songs for Mother. She sang along when we came to the more traditional songs of 'Silent Night' and 'Joy to the World.' I held Kelly's Baby Grace and put her to sleep while we sang. She is only 7 weeks old. Abby brought out her menagerie of guinea pigs and rabbits and it was obvious that we were all descendants of my mother, the greatest animal lover that ever lived. Uncle Jim noticed that the squealing of one guinea pig quieted down when he 'played' his musical tie. I will always treasure that time with Mother, listening to her sing, and watching her hold the guinea pig runt who 'was slightly deformed.'
Freeman and Alli headed back to Aunt Anne's and Michael and Philip headed back to Uncle Bubba's. (They wanted to go to Shady Maple Smorgasbord in the morning but it was overflowing and they were turned away. Went to Yoder's instead.)
Phil, Susan, and I headed towards Carlisle and checked into the Super 8 there. The next morning, it took us only 4 hours to get home instead of 6. The Christmas spirit continues here today. Susan cooked sauteed cucumbers from 'The Joy of Cooking' book that our friend, Teri, gave her. She also got a cookbook from Gpa Hertzler's. We'd like to cook through that one since it is called 'Simply in Season' and we think that would be fun to do. She wants to have her own garden next year. Phil's reading the book Michael gave him that I read on the way up. 'The Final Summit', which I think everyone in the world should read. I just took a nap and then decided to write a bit even though it's freezing back here.
I think this has been one of my most favorite Christmas' ever. Between Christmas caroling and singing at both places, we probably sang 4 hours. Oh-we are thankful that no one was hurt when a car when hurtling by all the parked cars along side of the road. (Christmas caroling) They slid on some black ice and ended up in the ditch. There was some unpleasantness involved because of the condition the driver was in, but we are thankful that no one was harmed.
Something else I forgot to mention was Paul's gratitude for our prayers. He said that he knows that whatever use he recovers from his thumb is due to our prayers.
Another fond memory is something funny Alli said. Someone said something to her about singing the alto part to a song and she said something like, "I'm making up my own part." She has a lot of new songs to learn and I know exactly how she feels because I felt the same way nearly 30 years ago as a new bride in the Hertzler family. But it's worth it to learn those songs that have been passed down for at least four generations that so few other people know. My mother said that she keeps hearing the different parts coming in 'in her head' but she doesn't know the words. I think we need to make her a recording.
Merry Christmas everyone
and may you know His peace and goodwill
towards you in this coming year.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Let
Webster's-'Let'-to allow, permit; to give opportunity for
Notice how Jesus has given us everything we need.
It is up to us to allow what He's given to have its place
in our lives.
~~~~~~~~~~~
1 Cor. 2:16b-"...But we have the mind of Christ."
Phil. 2:5-"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus...made Himself of no reputation...taking the form of a servant...humbled Himself unto death..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
John 14:27-"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you;..."
Col. 3:15-"Let the peace of God rule in your hearts,..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Deut. 30:14-"But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it."
Col. 3:16-"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rom. 8:35-"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?"
John 14:1-"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Let His mind be in us. Allow it. Permit it to be so.
Let His peace rule. Allow it. Permit it to be so.
Let His word dwell in us. Allow it. Permit it to be so.
Let not our hearts be troubled. Allow it not. Permit it not to be so.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I sat down early this morning to be Mary and my mind is Martha,
troubled, scattered, list-making, weary.
And I think of this little word-'let'-allow.
"Let (allow) My peace, My mind, My word, My untroubledness,
be in you, rule in you, dwell in you."
Help me Jesus,
to choose the better part;
To not only sit at Your feet like Mary
but to have my mind be Yours as well.
In this busyness that comes with the celebration
of Your birth,
help me not to forget that You came,
not for a visit,
but to make Your home in our hearts.
Oh, please, be at home in my heart.
Notice how Jesus has given us everything we need.
It is up to us to allow what He's given to have its place
in our lives.
~~~~~~~~~~~
1 Cor. 2:16b-"...But we have the mind of Christ."
Phil. 2:5-"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus...made Himself of no reputation...taking the form of a servant...humbled Himself unto death..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
John 14:27-"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you;..."
Col. 3:15-"Let the peace of God rule in your hearts,..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Deut. 30:14-"But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it."
Col. 3:16-"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rom. 8:35-"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?"
John 14:1-"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Let His mind be in us. Allow it. Permit it to be so.
Let His peace rule. Allow it. Permit it to be so.
Let His word dwell in us. Allow it. Permit it to be so.
Let not our hearts be troubled. Allow it not. Permit it not to be so.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I sat down early this morning to be Mary and my mind is Martha,
troubled, scattered, list-making, weary.
And I think of this little word-'let'-allow.
"Let (allow) My peace, My mind, My word, My untroubledness,
be in you, rule in you, dwell in you."
Help me Jesus,
to choose the better part;
To not only sit at Your feet like Mary
but to have my mind be Yours as well.
In this busyness that comes with the celebration
of Your birth,
help me not to forget that You came,
not for a visit,
but to make Your home in our hearts.
Oh, please, be at home in my heart.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Sifting or Praying
I've been watching some dear friends go through
an extended period of rough times.
I have often thought of them in connection
with the words Jesus spoke to Peter,
"Simon, Simon, Satan has desired to sift you like wheat,
but I have prayed for you,
that your faith will not fail,
and when you have returned,
strengthen the brethren."
Satan has been asking to do a lot of sifting lately.
He could not do it, unless God allowed it.
He has to ask.
Jesus doesn't sift.
He prays.
How comforting to know that He prays
that our faith will not fail us,
and then He assures us
that one day,
we will strengthen others.
He who has the power and the right to sift us,
prays for us, instead.
You know what?
We can be sifters
or we can pray.
We can look at people and take them apart
and say,"They've got some good wheat about them
but they've got a lot of chaff too."
Or we can pray for them,
that their faith will not fail them.
I sure hope people are not sifting me.
I hope they are praying for me instead of judging
what I am made of.
What would happen to the Body of Christ
if we joined Jesus and prayed for each other's faith,
and we left the sifting to the one
who has to ask God's permission to do so?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A few days after writing the above,
I read a prayer in Ken Gire's book,
"Intimate Moments with the Savior."
I share a portion of it with you here.
"I love you for all that I am because of you.
I love you because with your tender hands
you lift the crushed pile Satan
leaves behind when he winnows,
and you blow away the chaff.
I love you that you don't focus
on those husked failures but rather on the kernel,
however small,
of genuine love left in your palm.
And seeing it, you take great delight."
an extended period of rough times.
I have often thought of them in connection
with the words Jesus spoke to Peter,
"Simon, Simon, Satan has desired to sift you like wheat,
but I have prayed for you,
that your faith will not fail,
and when you have returned,
strengthen the brethren."
Satan has been asking to do a lot of sifting lately.
He could not do it, unless God allowed it.
He has to ask.
Jesus doesn't sift.
He prays.
How comforting to know that He prays
that our faith will not fail us,
and then He assures us
that one day,
we will strengthen others.
He who has the power and the right to sift us,
prays for us, instead.
You know what?
We can be sifters
or we can pray.
We can look at people and take them apart
and say,"They've got some good wheat about them
but they've got a lot of chaff too."
Or we can pray for them,
that their faith will not fail them.
I sure hope people are not sifting me.
I hope they are praying for me instead of judging
what I am made of.
What would happen to the Body of Christ
if we joined Jesus and prayed for each other's faith,
and we left the sifting to the one
who has to ask God's permission to do so?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A few days after writing the above,
I read a prayer in Ken Gire's book,
"Intimate Moments with the Savior."
I share a portion of it with you here.
"I love you for all that I am because of you.
I love you because with your tender hands
you lift the crushed pile Satan
leaves behind when he winnows,
and you blow away the chaff.
I love you that you don't focus
on those husked failures but rather on the kernel,
however small,
of genuine love left in your palm.
And seeing it, you take great delight."
Stay Focused
Sheriff, my German Shepherd puppy, is about 9 months old, and he looks like a wolf. I don't think I have ever been adored by any person or any thing quite like this dog adores me. He looks me in the eyes and worships me.
The other day, I was petting him, and adoring him back, and his other two siblings tried to get in on the loving. I focused on Sheriff and kept talking to him, but he was so distracted by the other two, that he broke eye contact with me. He whined anxiously and tried to get them to go away. I had given him nothing to worry about, but he was distracted and troubled by the possibility of divided attention.
I love God. I worship Him. He gives me His undivided attention
and His loving words of kindness.
Distractions lurk all around me and I whine anxiously,
worried that I have lost God's attention because of pressing circumstances.
And again, I think of Martha and Mary.
Martha was a good gal.
She loved Jesus.
She showed Him her love by her actions.
She became distracted by her acts of service.
She was troubled by Mary's lack of service.
Mary loved Jesus too.
She sat at His feet and looked in His eyes
and worshipped Him.
She showed Him her love by listening
and receiving what He had to say.
She believed Him when He said that He was going
to go through a rough time.
Shortly, afterward, at another dinner party,
she broke open an alabaster jar of oil,
worth a year's wages,
and by so doing, in Jesus' words,
'anointed me for my burial.'
She believed and validated His words
by her actions.
What a relief it must have been to Him
to have someone believe Him
instead of saying,
"This shall never happen to you!"
and "I will stand by and guard You with my sword!"
She listened to Jesus' swan song-
the words one says before He dies.
I wonder what all He told her.
I love how He defended her behavior
to Martha and then later, to Judas
and some others.
Mary didn't much care what people thought of her.
She had One on her mind.
She was a liberated woman.
I pray that Jesus will help me be more like Mary.
I want to ask Him what is on His heart and mind.
His heart must get heavy at times.
Surely, He longs to tell someone
what is about to take place to His Spirit
and to His Body.
Perhaps, we too, can anoint His Body, the church,
with oil.
Perhaps, we can bring healing to its soul.
Perhaps, the fragrance from the oil of kindness and gladness
will remain with our brother and sister
as they wrestle in their own Garden of Gethsemane
and carry their cross to the Hill.
The other day, I was petting him, and adoring him back, and his other two siblings tried to get in on the loving. I focused on Sheriff and kept talking to him, but he was so distracted by the other two, that he broke eye contact with me. He whined anxiously and tried to get them to go away. I had given him nothing to worry about, but he was distracted and troubled by the possibility of divided attention.
I love God. I worship Him. He gives me His undivided attention
and His loving words of kindness.
Distractions lurk all around me and I whine anxiously,
worried that I have lost God's attention because of pressing circumstances.
And again, I think of Martha and Mary.
Martha was a good gal.
She loved Jesus.
She showed Him her love by her actions.
She became distracted by her acts of service.
She was troubled by Mary's lack of service.
Mary loved Jesus too.
She sat at His feet and looked in His eyes
and worshipped Him.
She showed Him her love by listening
and receiving what He had to say.
She believed Him when He said that He was going
to go through a rough time.
Shortly, afterward, at another dinner party,
she broke open an alabaster jar of oil,
worth a year's wages,
and by so doing, in Jesus' words,
'anointed me for my burial.'
She believed and validated His words
by her actions.
What a relief it must have been to Him
to have someone believe Him
instead of saying,
"This shall never happen to you!"
and "I will stand by and guard You with my sword!"
She listened to Jesus' swan song-
the words one says before He dies.
I wonder what all He told her.
I love how He defended her behavior
to Martha and then later, to Judas
and some others.
Mary didn't much care what people thought of her.
She had One on her mind.
She was a liberated woman.
I pray that Jesus will help me be more like Mary.
I want to ask Him what is on His heart and mind.
His heart must get heavy at times.
Surely, He longs to tell someone
what is about to take place to His Spirit
and to His Body.
Perhaps, we too, can anoint His Body, the church,
with oil.
Perhaps, we can bring healing to its soul.
Perhaps, the fragrance from the oil of kindness and gladness
will remain with our brother and sister
as they wrestle in their own Garden of Gethsemane
and carry their cross to the Hill.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Simplify
I put a verse on face book the other day. Words that Jesus said. "Martha, Martha, you are worried about many things. But Mary has chosen the best part and it will not be taken from her." The story is written in Luke 10:38-42.
Basically what happened was this. Martha was making a nice supper for Jesus and Mary wasn't helping her. She was sitting at Jesus feet, listening to what He had to say. Martha says to Jesus, "Tell Mary to help me. I'm doing all this work for you all by myself." And that's when Jesus told Martha about the differences between her and Mary.
I had several joking responses which got me to thinking. Basically, people were wondering who was going to do all their work if they just sat at Jesus' feet. Who is going to do the washing, cleaning, and cooking?
So, I looked at the story again and I noticed that the key words Jesus used in His rebuke to Martha were these. "You are distracted, troubled, and worried about many things."
What does this say to me?
It says, "Simplify my work for Jesus."
He does not want me 'slaving in the kitchen'
getting hot and bothered as I 'cook a three-course-meal'
when He would be deeply satisfied with 'almonds and raisins'
and a listening quiet loving friend to enjoy it with Him.
We do big things for God and want to influence people to love Him
and we wear ourselves out and offend others in the process
and we wouldn't want anyone to see how we act when we leave
the limelight of duty and collapse at home
where those who love us most pay dearly for our work for God.
(I speak as an 'expert' on my own humanity.)
Think of the simplicity of God.
Clay became man.
A stick parted waters.
A cloud led by day and
a pillar of fire by night.
A whale swallowed a prophet.
And a manger held God.
Natural things becoming spiritual.
We want to add unnatural things
to spiritual things.
Blinking lights and man's applause
to everything we do for Him.
And He just wants simple.
He just wants you.
He just wants me.
So turn off the music.
Turn off the drama.
Turn off the worries, the troubles, the distractions.
And take a little piece of bread
and a little cup of juice
and sit with Him.
For after all things are said
and after all things are done
it is you that He wants,
not what You do for Him.
Basically what happened was this. Martha was making a nice supper for Jesus and Mary wasn't helping her. She was sitting at Jesus feet, listening to what He had to say. Martha says to Jesus, "Tell Mary to help me. I'm doing all this work for you all by myself." And that's when Jesus told Martha about the differences between her and Mary.
I had several joking responses which got me to thinking. Basically, people were wondering who was going to do all their work if they just sat at Jesus' feet. Who is going to do the washing, cleaning, and cooking?
So, I looked at the story again and I noticed that the key words Jesus used in His rebuke to Martha were these. "You are distracted, troubled, and worried about many things."
What does this say to me?
It says, "Simplify my work for Jesus."
He does not want me 'slaving in the kitchen'
getting hot and bothered as I 'cook a three-course-meal'
when He would be deeply satisfied with 'almonds and raisins'
and a listening quiet loving friend to enjoy it with Him.
We do big things for God and want to influence people to love Him
and we wear ourselves out and offend others in the process
and we wouldn't want anyone to see how we act when we leave
the limelight of duty and collapse at home
where those who love us most pay dearly for our work for God.
(I speak as an 'expert' on my own humanity.)
Think of the simplicity of God.
Clay became man.
A stick parted waters.
A cloud led by day and
a pillar of fire by night.
A whale swallowed a prophet.
And a manger held God.
Natural things becoming spiritual.
We want to add unnatural things
to spiritual things.
Blinking lights and man's applause
to everything we do for Him.
And He just wants simple.
He just wants you.
He just wants me.
So turn off the music.
Turn off the drama.
Turn off the worries, the troubles, the distractions.
And take a little piece of bread
and a little cup of juice
and sit with Him.
For after all things are said
and after all things are done
it is you that He wants,
not what You do for Him.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Two Voices
I found a paper folded in a old Christmas book my mother had given me from her library. It gave me a thrill to read the words written on the paper and it was nice to see a handwritten note at the top that said, "Beulah-part A is yours. Thanks for helping. Lorrie" Beulah is my mother. The scripture reading is entitled, "King of the Jews" and was arranged by Dale E. Jones.
It was written for two voices. 'VOICE A should be read by a soft voice-this is the traditional Christmas story. VOICE B should be in contrast, a more strident tone-the story of Christ's rejection, crucifixion-with a jubilant tone as the resurrection is told.'
A: And it came to pass in those days, that there went up a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed...and all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
B: He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
A: And Joseph also went up from Galilee.
B: When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man was a Galilean, and as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod.
A: Out of the city of Nazareth
B: Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?
A: Into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem. Behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he that is born king of the Jews?"
B: "If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself."
A: "For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him."
B: And all his acquaintances stood afar off, beholding these things.
A: And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shone round about them.
B: From the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.
A: And they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, "Fear not; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."
B: For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles.
A: "For unto you is born this day..."
B: And shall be mocked.
A: "In the city of David..."
B: And spitefully entreated.
A: "A Saviour..."
B: And spit on
A: "Which is Christ the Lord."
B: "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit."
A: And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
B: And having said this, he gave up the ghost.
A: And she brought forth her firstborn son,
B: And when Joseph had taken the body
A: And wrapped him in swaddling clothes
B: And wrapped it in a clean linen cloth
A: And laid him in a manger
B: And laid it in his own new tomb
A: Because there was no room for them in the inn
B: Wherein never man before was laid.
A: And when they were come into the house,
B: Upon the first day of the week,
A: They saw the young child with Mary his mother
B: They came unto the sepulchre,
A: and...they presented unto him gifts
B: Bringing the spices which they had prepared.
A: Gold and frankincense, and myrrh.
B: They found the stone rolled away. Behold, two men stood by them in shining garments;
A: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host
B: They said; "Why seek ye the living among the dead?"
A: "Glory to God in the highest,"
B: "He is not here."
A: "And on earth, peace, good will toward men."
B: "He is risen!"
A: But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I just got Phil to read it with me. It's like seeing the Alpha and the Omega all at the same time; Christ's beginnings on earth and His ending. And Mary was there at His birth and at His death. And she was there at Pentecost, too, when He sent His Spirit to take the place of His flesh here on earth. And someday soon, I will get to meet this Blessed of All Women, who was the first to feel God stirring in her womb; who was first to hold God in her arms and on her lap.
O God, I want to know what that was like!
I want to hold You as a baby in my arms.
And I hear You say, "Whatever you do to the least of these,
that you do to me."
And I am comforted.
For when I hold the little ones,
I am holding You.
It was written for two voices. 'VOICE A should be read by a soft voice-this is the traditional Christmas story. VOICE B should be in contrast, a more strident tone-the story of Christ's rejection, crucifixion-with a jubilant tone as the resurrection is told.'
A: And it came to pass in those days, that there went up a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed...and all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
B: He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
A: And Joseph also went up from Galilee.
B: When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man was a Galilean, and as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod.
A: Out of the city of Nazareth
B: Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?
A: Into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem. Behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he that is born king of the Jews?"
B: "If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself."
A: "For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him."
B: And all his acquaintances stood afar off, beholding these things.
A: And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shone round about them.
B: From the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.
A: And they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, "Fear not; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."
B: For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles.
A: "For unto you is born this day..."
B: And shall be mocked.
A: "In the city of David..."
B: And spitefully entreated.
A: "A Saviour..."
B: And spit on
A: "Which is Christ the Lord."
B: "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit."
A: And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
B: And having said this, he gave up the ghost.
A: And she brought forth her firstborn son,
B: And when Joseph had taken the body
A: And wrapped him in swaddling clothes
B: And wrapped it in a clean linen cloth
A: And laid him in a manger
B: And laid it in his own new tomb
A: Because there was no room for them in the inn
B: Wherein never man before was laid.
A: And when they were come into the house,
B: Upon the first day of the week,
A: They saw the young child with Mary his mother
B: They came unto the sepulchre,
A: and...they presented unto him gifts
B: Bringing the spices which they had prepared.
A: Gold and frankincense, and myrrh.
B: They found the stone rolled away. Behold, two men stood by them in shining garments;
A: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host
B: They said; "Why seek ye the living among the dead?"
A: "Glory to God in the highest,"
B: "He is not here."
A: "And on earth, peace, good will toward men."
B: "He is risen!"
A: But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I just got Phil to read it with me. It's like seeing the Alpha and the Omega all at the same time; Christ's beginnings on earth and His ending. And Mary was there at His birth and at His death. And she was there at Pentecost, too, when He sent His Spirit to take the place of His flesh here on earth. And someday soon, I will get to meet this Blessed of All Women, who was the first to feel God stirring in her womb; who was first to hold God in her arms and on her lap.
O God, I want to know what that was like!
I want to hold You as a baby in my arms.
And I hear You say, "Whatever you do to the least of these,
that you do to me."
And I am comforted.
For when I hold the little ones,
I am holding You.
FIRST
WELL, I CAN'T TURN OFF THE CAPS BUT MAYBE THAT'S OK WITH THIS SUBJECT. I'VE BEEN OUT OF SORTS FOR A FEW WEEKS AND JUST HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO FOCUS AND BE STILL WHAT WITH LIFE GOING ON AND CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY BUSYNESS COMPETING WITH THE MARYNESS WITHIN.
THIS MORNING I STARTED THINKING ABOUT PRIORITIES AND THESE VERSES CAME TO MIND AND WITH THEM CAME THE PEACE I'VE BEEN SEEKING.
THESE WORDS ANSWER THE QUESTION,"WHAT REALLY MATTERS AND WHAT SHOULD MY FOCUS BE?" I WRITE THEM HERE AS A REMINDER TO MYSELF. PERHAPS YOU'LL ENJOY THEM AS WELL.
MATT. 22:38~"YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, WITH ALL YOUR MIND." 'THIS IS THE FIRST AND GREATEST COMMANDMENT.'-JESUS
MATT. 6:33~"SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE ADDED UNTO YOU."-JESUS
PS.37:4~"DELIGHT YOURSELF ALSO IN THE LORD AND HE SHALL GIVE YOU THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART."-DAVID
REV. 2:4~"NEVERTHELESS, I HAVE THIS AGAINST YOU, THAT YOU HAVE LEFT YOUR FIRST LOVE."~JESUS
PHIL. 3:8~"YET INDEED I ALSO COUNT ALL THINGS LOSS FOR THE EXCELLENCE OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST JESUS MY LORD, FOR WHOM I HAVE SUFFERED THE LOSS OF ALL THINGS, AND COUNT THEM AS RUBBISH, THAT I MAY GAIN CHRIST AND BE FOUND IN HIM,..."-PAUL
LUKE 10:42~"MARTHA, MARTHA, YOU ARE TROUBLED ABOUT MANY THINGS. BUT ONE THING IS NEEDED, AND MARY HAS CHOSEN THAT GOOD PART, WHICH WILL NOT BE TAKEN AWAY FROM HER." -JESUS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SO TODAY, AS I HEAD OUT FOR A DAY OF SHOPPING,
I HOPE TO REMEMBER TO LOVE HIM WITH ALL MY HEART,
TO SEEK FIRST HIS KINGDOM AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS,
TO DELIGHT MYSELF IN HIM,
TO RETURN MINUTE BY MINUTE TO MY FIRST LOVE,
TO COUNT ALL ELSE AS NOTHING COMPARED TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIM,
AND TO SIT AT HIS FEET IN THE MIDST OF THE BUSYNESS AND PRESSURE TO JOIN IN WITH THE WAY THE WORLD 'CELEBRATES' HIS COMING.
"PEACE ON EARTH.
GOODWILL TOWARDS MEN"
ARE WORDS THE ANGELS PROCLAIMED
TO THE SHEPHERDS IN THE FIELDS
THE NIGHT CHRIST WAS BORN.
AND THEY ARE WORDS THAT ECHO
THROUGH THE AGES-ETERNAL WORDS,
GIVEN TO YOU.
GIVEN TO ME.
PEACE TO ME!
GOODWILL TO ME!
I OPEN MY HEART TO RECEIVE WHAT HE WENT
TO SUCH DRASTIC MEASURES TO GIVE.
HOLY, HOLY GOD.
THIS MORNING I STARTED THINKING ABOUT PRIORITIES AND THESE VERSES CAME TO MIND AND WITH THEM CAME THE PEACE I'VE BEEN SEEKING.
THESE WORDS ANSWER THE QUESTION,"WHAT REALLY MATTERS AND WHAT SHOULD MY FOCUS BE?" I WRITE THEM HERE AS A REMINDER TO MYSELF. PERHAPS YOU'LL ENJOY THEM AS WELL.
MATT. 22:38~"YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, WITH ALL YOUR MIND." 'THIS IS THE FIRST AND GREATEST COMMANDMENT.'-JESUS
MATT. 6:33~"SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE ADDED UNTO YOU."-JESUS
PS.37:4~"DELIGHT YOURSELF ALSO IN THE LORD AND HE SHALL GIVE YOU THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART."-DAVID
REV. 2:4~"NEVERTHELESS, I HAVE THIS AGAINST YOU, THAT YOU HAVE LEFT YOUR FIRST LOVE."~JESUS
PHIL. 3:8~"YET INDEED I ALSO COUNT ALL THINGS LOSS FOR THE EXCELLENCE OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST JESUS MY LORD, FOR WHOM I HAVE SUFFERED THE LOSS OF ALL THINGS, AND COUNT THEM AS RUBBISH, THAT I MAY GAIN CHRIST AND BE FOUND IN HIM,..."-PAUL
LUKE 10:42~"MARTHA, MARTHA, YOU ARE TROUBLED ABOUT MANY THINGS. BUT ONE THING IS NEEDED, AND MARY HAS CHOSEN THAT GOOD PART, WHICH WILL NOT BE TAKEN AWAY FROM HER." -JESUS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SO TODAY, AS I HEAD OUT FOR A DAY OF SHOPPING,
I HOPE TO REMEMBER TO LOVE HIM WITH ALL MY HEART,
TO SEEK FIRST HIS KINGDOM AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS,
TO DELIGHT MYSELF IN HIM,
TO RETURN MINUTE BY MINUTE TO MY FIRST LOVE,
TO COUNT ALL ELSE AS NOTHING COMPARED TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIM,
AND TO SIT AT HIS FEET IN THE MIDST OF THE BUSYNESS AND PRESSURE TO JOIN IN WITH THE WAY THE WORLD 'CELEBRATES' HIS COMING.
"PEACE ON EARTH.
GOODWILL TOWARDS MEN"
ARE WORDS THE ANGELS PROCLAIMED
TO THE SHEPHERDS IN THE FIELDS
THE NIGHT CHRIST WAS BORN.
AND THEY ARE WORDS THAT ECHO
THROUGH THE AGES-ETERNAL WORDS,
GIVEN TO YOU.
GIVEN TO ME.
PEACE TO ME!
GOODWILL TO ME!
I OPEN MY HEART TO RECEIVE WHAT HE WENT
TO SUCH DRASTIC MEASURES TO GIVE.
HOLY, HOLY GOD.
Friday, December 9, 2011
A Parable of Sorts
There was a farmer who had a little plot of soil.
He dug it up and stirred it around and prepared the soil to receive the seed.
He reverently placed the seed two inches deep into the soil.
Every day he came out and stirred up the soil,
hoping to inspire the seed to grow.
And every day, the seed lost its place in the soil
and had to start over again.
Day after day, the farmer stirred the soil,
frantically trying to grow the seed.
Finally, the seed had enough.
He spoke up, much to the farmer's surprise.
"It was good of you, dear farmer,
to stir up the sod and prepare for my planting,
but now you must allow the sun and the rain
to do its work. I cannot grow without their consistent
presence in my life. I cannot grow if you continue
to stir up the soil. I will develop no roots.
If I grow, I will be spindly at best, and I will not bear fruit."
The farmer heeded the seed's gentle chiding
and stopped stirring up the soil.
He worked on other plots of land on his property
and prepared other soil to receive the seed.
And the stillness, the sun, and the rain,
did it's work,
and the seed grew and developed good deep roots,
and produced fruit of the sweetest kind.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Eph. 4:11-16~"And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head-Christ-from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth to the body for the edifying of itself in love."
Col. 2:6,7~"As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving."
Double Talk
Usually, when someone says your name twice in a row, you tend to sit up and listen. I've been noticing the times that Jesus said names twice.
"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 10:41,42)
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem...how often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing!"(Luke 13:34)
"Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." (Luke 22:31)
"Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" (Acts 9:4)
I wonder if He says my name twice.
As He says it, does He invite me to sit at His feet and be gathered under His wings?
Does He warn me that Satan has asked to sift me as wheat, but assures me of His very own prayers that my faith will not fail?
Does He chide me for the way I fight against Him rather than surrendering to His goodness?
For truly, truly, it could be my name in those verses and His voice that I hear.
"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 10:41,42)
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem...how often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing!"(Luke 13:34)
"Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." (Luke 22:31)
"Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" (Acts 9:4)
I wonder if He says my name twice.
As He says it, does He invite me to sit at His feet and be gathered under His wings?
Does He warn me that Satan has asked to sift me as wheat, but assures me of His very own prayers that my faith will not fail?
Does He chide me for the way I fight against Him rather than surrendering to His goodness?
For truly, truly, it could be my name in those verses and His voice that I hear.
Monday, December 5, 2011
December Thanksgivings
340. Colonial Williamsburg-where time moved slowly for Susan, Bethany, and I. We enjoyed the deluxe Time Share complete with King size bed, two twins, dining room, kitchen, living room, two bathrooms, and jacuzzi room. We walked and shopped in downtown and old town Willliamsburg and had plenty of time to rest in the jacuzzi. Watched three movies and ate when we felt like it. Relaxing time. So thankful for this gift. Oh, the front desk clerk looked and acted just like Nanette, so we felt at home right away.
341. Nine hours of sleep in a king sized bed.
342. Friends who were so happy for our good fortune
343. Time alone in the morning, drinking tea, and reading my collection of scriptures from the past three months, while sitting at a colonial style desk
344. Pictures of unhappy looking Bethany and Susan doing time in the stocks
345. Drinking sparkling grape cider in the jacuzzi and Susan getting silly
346. Talking to Phil from a King sized bed and finding he was nearly at his parent's home
347. Phil's opportunity to run up to Pa. to hunt and visit family and friends
348. Susan's plaque she bought Phil at the first store we came to. It says, "The Greatest Gift I Ever Had Came From God...I Call Him Dad!"
349. Michael's excitement about flying two days in a row
350. Michael brought three friends home from Liberty for the weekend. They went over to Happy Valley and built a fire and went cat fishing. One of them wanted to quit school, get a part-time job, and camp out here the rest of the time.
351. I became a great-aunt twice in one day! Two little boys born on Dec. 3.
352. God's protection over Freeman and Philip. Both fell through the roof of the house they were working on within half an hour of each other. Scraped up and sore but nothing permanent.
353. First two eggs from chickens. Small but miraculous!
354. People asking Jesus into their hearts and accepting Him as Savior. I'm happy for them and I'm happy for Him.
355. I showed Susan piano chords in the key of G-G, D, Em, and C. I played them and she said, "That sounds like a song!" I said that it was the chord progression of 'Blessed Be Your Name.' Not long afterwards, she was playing it and singing along. It's amazing to teach someone what little I know and have them run with it and go much further.
356. John 14:23,21-Visitation, Habitation and Manifestation!-"If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him."
~~~~~~
357. The Christmas musical highlights-Freeman and Alli playing Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head-their funny accents, cute ways and dancing, and Freeman playing Tobias the shepherd and his human humorous song. I loved Kara's sweet voice, singing as Mary, lullabying over a peaceful, baby girl Jesus. Got a kick out of Missi playing Pastor Alvin's mother in the play.
358. For Shepherds who watch over their flocks by 'night', making sure that though we are scattered, we are all present.
359. My first practice with the community choir. Wow! Sounds like a professional choir. Everyone so friendly, too.
360. That He shall pu-ri-fy-y-y-y-y the sons of Le-vi so they may offer to the LORD and offering in righteousness.
361. The weather outside is as warm as the house temperature!
362. The singing guitarist standing beside the Salvation Army bucket spreading goodwill to Walmart shoppers.
363. Going over to Betty and Kelly's. Perching at the stool, watching Betty make chicken potpie. Susan talking to Betty and while I rested beside Kelly in bed chatting away. Giggling girls making music videos. Betty's chocolate covered Ritz cracker chocolate mouse Cool Whip dessert. Catching up with a dear friend.
364. Lunch with Michelle. Thankful for her gift of time and depth of conversation.
365. Susan and Micah's baking project resulted in two Christmas scenes-sleigh, 4 reindeer, snowman, and a tree. My brother, Abe, had given Susan this cookie cutter kit a few years ago.
366. Micah and Phil's delight in seeing each other.
367. Gil and Lindsay's new house and pictures to prove it!
368. Time to write and how happy it makes me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
369. The goodness ahead in the land of the living for our friend's whose house was pretty much totalled by a fire this weekend.
370. A day at home to rest and make cookies before life gets overly busy in the next two weeks.
371. Susan's extra credit project for Biology-a nucleus cake
372. Michael's 96% on an aviation final
373. The Guild/Jones traditional Christmas party
374. The feel of snow in the air
375. Open doors, open windows, Christmas lights, Handel's Messiah, cookies baking, Michael home...
376. Michael's outstretched arms and reassuring words, "You're a good mommy."
377. God's sense of humor and the music and words that overwhelm all sense of conflict
378. Shielding Shepherds
379. That God is in control of whatever is about to happen
380. It is with a cup of sorrow in one hand and a cup of joy in that other, that we go through life, one day at a time
381. One piece sock monkey hat, scarf, and gloves, that Susan knows she is getting for Christmas and she gets so happy every time she thinks about it
382. The gray, pink, turquoise, and orange of morning emerging and eyes with which to see its beauty
383. The freedom to let go, because underneath it all, are the everlasting arms
384. That the Bible is so smart.
385. Michael, taking acoustic guitar lessons next semester and the promise to teach Susan all that he is learning
386. Spending half a day with Susan and Alli decorating sugar cookies
387. Annual Grunert party
388. Baked Ham and homemade rolls all ready for Sunday lunch tomorrow
389. For the beautiful tenor voice singing 'Comfort ye...'
390. Man cave is as clean as it gets and 'beds' are made and ready for the Bantons and a fire is going in the wood stove.
391. For six little piggies who think the world is their home. I should not be this attached to them. They are so cute but they scream bloody murder when you try to hold them.
~~~~~~~~
392. The opportunity to sing with the Appomattox Community Chorale. Handel's Messiah. Full House. Front row-Michael, Susan with Adi on her lap, Philip with Emma on her lap, Lindsay, Erin. Seeing Tom's come in. Jeff and Chris in audience. Absolutely thrilling experience.
393. The Potter's House and people who are happy to see you come and sorry to see you go
394. Erin eating her birthday cake. She used to have a wheat allergy but God healed her and she can eat what she wants. It's a miracle. Last time she ingested some wheat at our place, she had to spent the night, curled up on the sofa, and I wasn't sure if I should take her to the hospital or not. Someone prayed for her a few weeks ago. God had healed him of a dairy allergy and he wanted to pray for her. It is a great freedom for her and she doesn't have to lug her own food around wherever she goes or be fearful of accidentally ingesting wheat.
395. Several days with Gil, Lindsay, Emma, and Adi
396. Emma, Adi, in the big bathtub. Lindsay back with them. All singing, "Away in a Manger."
397. Hearing "Auntie Annette!" over and over again
398. Rock-a-bying the little girls
399. Susan, resting on the sofa, with her head on Lindsay's shoulder
400. Lindsay, braiding Susan's hair into a waterfall french braid
401. A humongous flashlight crashed onto my bare foot when I climbed into bed after getting home late from Mom's and More party. Excruciating pain for about 5 min. and Phil's kind words, and then sleep, and no more pain from it at all.
402. Idea about writing Bible stories for new adult believers who have literacy challenges.
403. Dr. Stanley's idea, recorded in my mother's diary-'spend time in prayer. Take a notebook and on one side, write down your request-with the date, and on the other side, write down the answer and date it. Your faith will be built as you see the answers.'
404. Comforting words for the Marthas-'Whatever you do, do it with all your might, for it is the Lord you are serving.'
405. Michael making breakfast for Susan and I and the Banton's on their last morning here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
406. Philip and Michael pretending to have their own cooking show while making Christmas breakfast-hash browns, eggs, scrapple, sausage. Freeman brought biscuits. I think their show would be a hit, what with their mix of jokes, insults, unusual music, pretending to run overtime, etc. All this while I was attempting to have a Christmas morning Quiet Time, but I think that these moments are God's gifts to me and I gladly give up the quiet this time.
407. Best Christmas ever in Pa. with Christmas eve. caroling and Christmas Day with the Hertzler's and my side of the family.
408. Mom's tears while we sang "The Hallelujah Chorus".
409. Freeman's Christmas sermon. My first time of hearing any of his sermons. Short. Sweet. Profound.
410. Protection on Christmas eve.-drunk driver careening within inches of Michael's car. Bradley shut his door quickly. Cars and people unharmed. The driver ended up in the ditch.
411. Mother's look of delight when Abby brought out her guinea pigs. She reached up her hands to hold one right away.
412. Mother's pretty alto voice singing, "Silent Night."
413. Abby's request to sing 'Silent Night' again.
414. The diplomacy, objectivity, compassion, and wisdom of my siblings.
415. Susan's and Anne's mutual joy in being told that they act, look, and sing like one another.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
416. Philip's note on kitchen counter-"I love you, Mom. You are the best." In spite of the fact that last night, my dog, killed his littlest pig.
417. The movie, "The King's Speech" and the inspiration it gave me that I, too, have a voice. Found out why it was rated 'R'. Phil covered his ears and asked me to tell him when it was over. Said he heard enough of those words at work.
418. Andy Andrew's wise, captivating, and potentially life-changing books-'The Traveler's Gift' and 'The Final Summit.' Michael heard him speak and got him to sign some books.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
419. After finding out my mother and sister needed me in Pa., my schedule and my family set me free to 'go' and 'stay as long as you need to' because 'we'll take care of things here.'
420. For the gaunt, majestic, white sycamore tree silhouetted against billowing clouds of winter grays and dark distant mountains en route to Pa.
421. Safe trip to Pa.
422. Time
423. Susan's opportunity to go with Betty and Kelly to Winterfest
424. Philip's desire to get bees and fruit trees for our farm
341. Nine hours of sleep in a king sized bed.
342. Friends who were so happy for our good fortune
343. Time alone in the morning, drinking tea, and reading my collection of scriptures from the past three months, while sitting at a colonial style desk
344. Pictures of unhappy looking Bethany and Susan doing time in the stocks
345. Drinking sparkling grape cider in the jacuzzi and Susan getting silly
346. Talking to Phil from a King sized bed and finding he was nearly at his parent's home
347. Phil's opportunity to run up to Pa. to hunt and visit family and friends
348. Susan's plaque she bought Phil at the first store we came to. It says, "The Greatest Gift I Ever Had Came From God...I Call Him Dad!"
349. Michael's excitement about flying two days in a row
350. Michael brought three friends home from Liberty for the weekend. They went over to Happy Valley and built a fire and went cat fishing. One of them wanted to quit school, get a part-time job, and camp out here the rest of the time.
351. I became a great-aunt twice in one day! Two little boys born on Dec. 3.
352. God's protection over Freeman and Philip. Both fell through the roof of the house they were working on within half an hour of each other. Scraped up and sore but nothing permanent.
353. First two eggs from chickens. Small but miraculous!
354. People asking Jesus into their hearts and accepting Him as Savior. I'm happy for them and I'm happy for Him.
355. I showed Susan piano chords in the key of G-G, D, Em, and C. I played them and she said, "That sounds like a song!" I said that it was the chord progression of 'Blessed Be Your Name.' Not long afterwards, she was playing it and singing along. It's amazing to teach someone what little I know and have them run with it and go much further.
356. John 14:23,21-Visitation, Habitation and Manifestation!-"If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him."
~~~~~~
357. The Christmas musical highlights-Freeman and Alli playing Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head-their funny accents, cute ways and dancing, and Freeman playing Tobias the shepherd and his human humorous song. I loved Kara's sweet voice, singing as Mary, lullabying over a peaceful, baby girl Jesus. Got a kick out of Missi playing Pastor Alvin's mother in the play.
358. For Shepherds who watch over their flocks by 'night', making sure that though we are scattered, we are all present.
359. My first practice with the community choir. Wow! Sounds like a professional choir. Everyone so friendly, too.
360. That He shall pu-ri-fy-y-y-y-y the sons of Le-vi so they may offer to the LORD and offering in righteousness.
361. The weather outside is as warm as the house temperature!
362. The singing guitarist standing beside the Salvation Army bucket spreading goodwill to Walmart shoppers.
363. Going over to Betty and Kelly's. Perching at the stool, watching Betty make chicken potpie. Susan talking to Betty and while I rested beside Kelly in bed chatting away. Giggling girls making music videos. Betty's chocolate covered Ritz cracker chocolate mouse Cool Whip dessert. Catching up with a dear friend.
364. Lunch with Michelle. Thankful for her gift of time and depth of conversation.
365. Susan and Micah's baking project resulted in two Christmas scenes-sleigh, 4 reindeer, snowman, and a tree. My brother, Abe, had given Susan this cookie cutter kit a few years ago.
366. Micah and Phil's delight in seeing each other.
367. Gil and Lindsay's new house and pictures to prove it!
368. Time to write and how happy it makes me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
369. The goodness ahead in the land of the living for our friend's whose house was pretty much totalled by a fire this weekend.
370. A day at home to rest and make cookies before life gets overly busy in the next two weeks.
371. Susan's extra credit project for Biology-a nucleus cake
372. Michael's 96% on an aviation final
373. The Guild/Jones traditional Christmas party
374. The feel of snow in the air
375. Open doors, open windows, Christmas lights, Handel's Messiah, cookies baking, Michael home...
376. Michael's outstretched arms and reassuring words, "You're a good mommy."
377. God's sense of humor and the music and words that overwhelm all sense of conflict
378. Shielding Shepherds
379. That God is in control of whatever is about to happen
380. It is with a cup of sorrow in one hand and a cup of joy in that other, that we go through life, one day at a time
381. One piece sock monkey hat, scarf, and gloves, that Susan knows she is getting for Christmas and she gets so happy every time she thinks about it
382. The gray, pink, turquoise, and orange of morning emerging and eyes with which to see its beauty
383. The freedom to let go, because underneath it all, are the everlasting arms
384. That the Bible is so smart.
385. Michael, taking acoustic guitar lessons next semester and the promise to teach Susan all that he is learning
386. Spending half a day with Susan and Alli decorating sugar cookies
387. Annual Grunert party
388. Baked Ham and homemade rolls all ready for Sunday lunch tomorrow
389. For the beautiful tenor voice singing 'Comfort ye...'
390. Man cave is as clean as it gets and 'beds' are made and ready for the Bantons and a fire is going in the wood stove.
391. For six little piggies who think the world is their home. I should not be this attached to them. They are so cute but they scream bloody murder when you try to hold them.
~~~~~~~~
392. The opportunity to sing with the Appomattox Community Chorale. Handel's Messiah. Full House. Front row-Michael, Susan with Adi on her lap, Philip with Emma on her lap, Lindsay, Erin. Seeing Tom's come in. Jeff and Chris in audience. Absolutely thrilling experience.
393. The Potter's House and people who are happy to see you come and sorry to see you go
394. Erin eating her birthday cake. She used to have a wheat allergy but God healed her and she can eat what she wants. It's a miracle. Last time she ingested some wheat at our place, she had to spent the night, curled up on the sofa, and I wasn't sure if I should take her to the hospital or not. Someone prayed for her a few weeks ago. God had healed him of a dairy allergy and he wanted to pray for her. It is a great freedom for her and she doesn't have to lug her own food around wherever she goes or be fearful of accidentally ingesting wheat.
395. Several days with Gil, Lindsay, Emma, and Adi
396. Emma, Adi, in the big bathtub. Lindsay back with them. All singing, "Away in a Manger."
397. Hearing "Auntie Annette!" over and over again
398. Rock-a-bying the little girls
399. Susan, resting on the sofa, with her head on Lindsay's shoulder
400. Lindsay, braiding Susan's hair into a waterfall french braid
401. A humongous flashlight crashed onto my bare foot when I climbed into bed after getting home late from Mom's and More party. Excruciating pain for about 5 min. and Phil's kind words, and then sleep, and no more pain from it at all.
402. Idea about writing Bible stories for new adult believers who have literacy challenges.
403. Dr. Stanley's idea, recorded in my mother's diary-'spend time in prayer. Take a notebook and on one side, write down your request-with the date, and on the other side, write down the answer and date it. Your faith will be built as you see the answers.'
404. Comforting words for the Marthas-'Whatever you do, do it with all your might, for it is the Lord you are serving.'
405. Michael making breakfast for Susan and I and the Banton's on their last morning here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
406. Philip and Michael pretending to have their own cooking show while making Christmas breakfast-hash browns, eggs, scrapple, sausage. Freeman brought biscuits. I think their show would be a hit, what with their mix of jokes, insults, unusual music, pretending to run overtime, etc. All this while I was attempting to have a Christmas morning Quiet Time, but I think that these moments are God's gifts to me and I gladly give up the quiet this time.
407. Best Christmas ever in Pa. with Christmas eve. caroling and Christmas Day with the Hertzler's and my side of the family.
408. Mom's tears while we sang "The Hallelujah Chorus".
409. Freeman's Christmas sermon. My first time of hearing any of his sermons. Short. Sweet. Profound.
410. Protection on Christmas eve.-drunk driver careening within inches of Michael's car. Bradley shut his door quickly. Cars and people unharmed. The driver ended up in the ditch.
411. Mother's look of delight when Abby brought out her guinea pigs. She reached up her hands to hold one right away.
412. Mother's pretty alto voice singing, "Silent Night."
413. Abby's request to sing 'Silent Night' again.
414. The diplomacy, objectivity, compassion, and wisdom of my siblings.
415. Susan's and Anne's mutual joy in being told that they act, look, and sing like one another.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
416. Philip's note on kitchen counter-"I love you, Mom. You are the best." In spite of the fact that last night, my dog, killed his littlest pig.
417. The movie, "The King's Speech" and the inspiration it gave me that I, too, have a voice. Found out why it was rated 'R'. Phil covered his ears and asked me to tell him when it was over. Said he heard enough of those words at work.
418. Andy Andrew's wise, captivating, and potentially life-changing books-'The Traveler's Gift' and 'The Final Summit.' Michael heard him speak and got him to sign some books.
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419. After finding out my mother and sister needed me in Pa., my schedule and my family set me free to 'go' and 'stay as long as you need to' because 'we'll take care of things here.'
420. For the gaunt, majestic, white sycamore tree silhouetted against billowing clouds of winter grays and dark distant mountains en route to Pa.
421. Safe trip to Pa.
422. Time
423. Susan's opportunity to go with Betty and Kelly to Winterfest
424. Philip's desire to get bees and fruit trees for our farm
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