Aren't kids GREAT!

I love to just sit back and observe kids. They really are some of my favorite people. They never cease to amaze and amuse me. Recently our church youth group was preparing for their Christmas presentation. This particular group has a wide age range of 3-13 years old. Their leaders have great patience.

My daughter, my beautiful 8 year old blue-eyed princess was asked to be the angel this year. I smiled as I let my mind wander and imagine her long red curls flowing over her glittering halo, her cute smiling face beaming as the story of Baby Jesus is portrayed. Its the simple little things in life that bring a parent joy. (big sigh)...........

Just then I heard a small familiar voice coming from the center of the pews as my little princess raised her hand to speak. "Angels are so pretty and wings are cool, but if its okay with you....... I'd rather be THE DONKEY" she said.

A smile spread across my face as her words caught me off guard and a little girl reminded me that there is just no substitution for the innocence of a child. She didnt care to be a bright shining star for all to see above the manger scene, she asked for the 'lowest seat'. Her heart's desire is to be down in the dirt up close and personal near Jesus.

That's where I want to be too. Every hour of everyday I will take the lowest seat. Luke 14: 1-24

Merry Christmas to you..... and remember that Jesus is The Reason for the Season.

Shopping for Christmas..........or NOT!!

With a good percentage of the world consumed with finding the perfect gift, which usually turns out to be a waste of time, a waste of money and something the recipient never asked for nor do they need....... I've got a better idea.

Buy a prepaid visa gift card from your local bank and give it away. You dont have to break the bank. Spend 25 or 50 bucks. I did that last week and gave it to a young man at the high school. He is homeless and stays here and there with friends. His parents live in their van and there isnt room for him too, so he is on his own. Despite his circumstances, he shows up for school everyday and is determined to get a diploma. The gesture seemed so small on my part, but you would have thought I had given him a thousand dollars. I got the blessing and God got all the glory.



As for me... If my husband asked me what I truly wanted for Christmas my answer would be 'time'.

I do not need any gadgets, nor do I need new clothes, shoes, perfume or any other thing that can be found at the local department store. I would just really love some of his time. We work opposite shifts, have opposite days off and really only get quality time one week out of the year when we go on vacation together.

So....... honey.... if you're reading this... put away your checkbook, take me by the hand and lets go for a stroll. You still make my heart go pitterpat :)

Saying Goodbye

So..... I know that with The Lord there is a hope and a future. I know that when someone we cherish passes away we mourn the loss and celebrate their Homecoming. I DO know this, but I also know that the flesh feels human emotion and that the loss is heart breaking. No matter how much time you have with the one you love, it is never enough. No matter how long they are ill, you are never prepared. No matter how much you rejoice at the fact that they are being cradled in the Father's loving arms, the fragile human heart still breaks. And so........ I rejoice with a broken heart for two very dear people that have ment the world to me. Goodbye for now.