Wonderment~

Like many of you I suppose, I LOVE this time of year! All of the lights, Christmas Carols being sung by secular and sacred...it really is an amazing time of year. I think that people have a sense of Hope-and yet, with that said, it can be one of the most difficult times as well. The depression rate is highest at Christmas, Domestics are up...it is tense. Jesus said, "In this world you WILL have trouble...but be of good cheer for I HAVE OVERCOME the world. That is such an awesome and profound truth! If we could just see Jesus in the midst of the "yuck" of life, I think our focus would be different.
I have found myself wondering what it was like the days after Christ was born, Who heard the news of a Savior being born, who believed the unbelievable? What did Joseph and Mary talk about? The shepherds must have been in a state of shock at what their days held...I mean can you even imagine?
I don't know what your days are like, but my prayer is that none of us "miss" the news of THE SAVIOR coming to give us life, hope, grace...strength in the times we are our weakest...EMMANUEL, GOD WITH US~ Rejoice in that this season, celebrate the King of all kings-may He be our focus!

DINOSAURS

One of my favorite artists wrote a song called I'M DANCING WITH THE DINOSAURS...it was a great song! I feel a little bit like a "Dinosaur" in today's culture. I don't have the latest phone that has over 100 thousand apps. In fact the other day I went without my cell phone and I have to tell you it was WONDERFUL!!! I don't have the latest laptop or software, we don't have the WII or Xbox or whatever else there is...We have a car from 1995 that we drive...all this to say that every now and again one could feel ancient or "out of touch", but I think I'm beginning to be okay with that! Not that having all the greatest and latest is wrong...I just don't want to buy into the myth that "I need it"...I don't.
The dinosaurs grew to be extinct...but I know a few of us "human dinos" who are going strong and maybe, just maybe we will bring back the days of dancing with the dinosaurs :0)

Let The Children Come

I think I just might have the "Best Job" ever. Yesterday I directed my 8th Children's Musical at Willowbrook Community Church. Leading Worship is a joy...but it's like and extra bonus to work with the kids! I have to tell you that there is NOTHING BETTER than hearing the voices of children proclaiming the GOOD NEWS of JESUS!

Yesterday was one of those highlight moments for me as I watched kids who really stretched themselves to act or sing solo's...one little girl had told her grandma why Jesus changes our lives...pretty amazing and truly humbling to be part of.

R831

"If God of for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31! I love this verse 'cause truth be told...there are many days in which it may seem that some or many are against us, but in the Light of Eternity...NO ONE CAN STAND AGAINST US because our King, our Creator IS FOR US!

That is such great news! I'm not sure where you are today...what you are facing, or even about to face...but KNOW this-The One who gives you life to live is rejoicing in you...singing over you and IS FOR YOU!
So let's go life this life out loud, Boldly and Confidently!!!!

Black and Blue

So...I got up and headed to Menards at 10:30 A.M. and was able to purchase what I'd seen in the add...in fact, they had plenty left. Tried out the purchase only to realize it would not work, returned it to the store that afternoon and what to my wondering eyes should appear????? The prices for all of the "Special" items was the same or just a dollar more. Then I went to my second home and SHOCKER... same thing. So, I have learned that I am not "buying" into the hype of all the "Black Friday" Talk...

It's so good to feel as if I've learned a lesson :D Now, on to the next one I need to learn~

Thankful...but no Thank you!

I know that in just a few moments...BLACK FRIDAY begins! I must confess I am torn if I should go out or not. There is something my husband would love for Christmas but I feel like paying the extra money instead and sleeping :D

I just got home from my "home away from home" Wal-Mart-they are open 24 hours today and so they have their employees standing guard over the "deals" Wow...talk about high security...every isle you walk, every corner you turn there are sets of eyes watching you! Cars are in the parking lot WITH PEOPLE IN THEM camping out til the deals start.

This all seems CRAZY to me...I love you honey, more than you may know...but my pillow and I will not be parting this Black Friday!
If you are braving the day...Whoa Nelly!!!

The Art of Losing

It's been fun watching our 11 year old play "Traveling Basketball" this year. He IS a Forest Lake Ranger. I remember when he got his jersey and game bag...there was a sense of pride on his face as he walked with a new swagger in his step. Now, we've been told that this is a learning year...and truth be told---it is!

The team has played 6 games and their record is 1 and 5. They have had a few games where the span of points was greater than 20, and yet-there is an art that they are learning about how to be humble, gracious and carry themselves with integrity in the midst of the loss.

I wonder how well I do when things just don't go my way...maybe I feel, at times, like the "ref" has made a bad call. I want my life to reflect the Character of my Savior...even in the midst of the losses...in fact, even more so in the losses. It's easy to be a great winner but challenging to be a great loser.