The End of the Year

Well, guys! This is the end of the year… the end of a decade. Did things go the way you expected in the last twelve months? They didn’t for me. If someone told me even seven months ago that I would be writing a BLOG on the internet this year, I would have laughed. Now, however, I can’t imagine my life without this tool.

I originally started this site on Wednesday, July 28, 2010, as a way of educating people about depression. But it seems that God had other things in mind for me… Throughout the last six months, this BLOG has morphed into more of a Daily Devotion site – and that’s something that I will be focusing more on in 2011. I have found that by following the path God has laid before me, I am naturally addressing the issues that may lead to certain types of depression.



I look forward to our journey together next year. God Bless!


Thought for the Day…
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:16-17)

2010 is gone… We each are faced with a new year ahead of us. With a new year, there are new hopes and dreams for each of us. Remember - No act is too big for God’s forgiveness. Begin this New Year with the assurance that you are LOVED. You are a CHILD OF GOD!

How high will it go?

Well, gasoline is currently $3.09/gallon in my town. I’m trying not to get too frustrated about it, so I tried to think of a way to rationalize the situation.

Here’s what I came up with so far…

If I calculate a few things I use to a “by a gallon” price, gas doesn’t seem too
pricey.

Perfume - Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Spray, 1.7 oz. ($60) =$4517.65/gal
Bath Soap - Caress Ultra Silkening Body Wash, 15 oz. ($4) =$34.00/gal
Cough Syrup - Robitussin DM Max, 4 oz. ($6.75) =$216.00/gal
Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Olio Taibi, 17 oz. ($50) =$376.40/gal

OKAY! When I looked at those numbers, gas didn’t really seem too high. But when I realized that a gallon of perfume would last me my entire life, and a gallon of EVOO would be in my kitchen cupboard for years before I used it all… it put things in perspective. No matter how you look at - $3.09/gal for gasoline is a lot of money!

My husband and I are pretty lucky – we don’t use our cars that much. For you folks that are forced to drive a lot, and must pay the high prices… hang in there! Hopefully things will get back to “normal” soon.



Thought for the Day:
Jesus died over 2000 years ago.
Nobody has ever referred to him as the late Jesus,
Not even unbelievers.
No where in history.
Nowhere has He EVER been referred to in past tense!
He is the Living God!

Seriously?

I spent most of today lounging on the couch, watching Lifetime Television. Then, my husband comes in and gets possession of the remote. Within two minutes the channel flippin’ begins – AMC, TNT, ABC, etc. Seriously? What is it with guys that force them to change the station every five seconds? Are they afraid they’re gonna miss something?

I remember when I was young… we had two channels on the television that came in good – 3 and 11 – and two other channels that my dad had to go outside and move the antenna around to get in on a windy day – 32 and 41. The only remote my dad had was me! You found something even slightly interesting on tv, you watched it til it was over. Seriously!

Yesterday my three and half year old granddaughter was at our house. She received about TWENTY new toys, that she can keep here, for Christmas. (These toys were from us, her dad, my mom, sister and friends – not just from us.) She played with nearly every single one sometime during the day. Then, last night, she came to me and said she was bored! Seriously?

When I was a child, we got ONE big present for Christmas and a COUPLE of small things. The rest of our presents were clothes. We never got BORED around our house, because if we did, my dad would happily find something to occupy our time. Seriously! (Gosh, I feel like I’m gonna break out in….”and we walked to school, up-hill – both ways” LOL.)

It’s amazing to me how much “things” (and we) change in the years from childhood to adulthood. But, if we don’t lose our sense of humor, I’ll think we’ll be okay.

Seriously.

525,600 Minutes

By the end of this week – Friday night at the stroke of midnight to be exact – each of us will be given 525,600 minutes to spend in 2011. How will you spend yours?

According to the internet, the average person will spend their minutes in the following ways:
7,200 eating
5,508 on the phone
10,920 in the bathroom
175,200 working
153,300 sleeping
43,899 driving
21,900 cleaning house

Just the above items only add up to: 505,428 minutes. And I haven’t even listed the important things yet… like precious moments with family and friends, periods with God (such as church or devotions), and time to take care of yourself. If I take the “left over” minutes (20,172), I only have a little over 55 minutes a day for these things. Something’s gotta give!

I know that some things in our schedules can’t change, but some things definitely can… and if we really look at what’s important to us, we should be able to make some small changes that will have a big impact. For instance, declare one night a week as “Electronic Free Night”… no television, no phone, etc. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you’ll begin to look forward to those nights with your family. Play games, make music or have a romantic date night! Whatever you do, just connect with family or friends… or treat yourself.

Some of our 525,600 minutes we’re given we will have absolutely no control over, but the moments you do… make a memory!

My Hope, My Dream...

Nothing ahead of you is bigger or stronger than the Power of GOD behind you!

I don’t know about you guys, but the last couple of weeks have been a flurry of mixed emotions for me. I have been very excited about Christmas – spending time with family and friends, watching my granddaughter sit on Santa’s lap, the emotion of our Christmas Eve service at Church, watching family open gifts, explaining the true meaning of Christmas to kids – Yes, Christmas has been very exciting… but very tiring and sometimes sad, too.

Winter is a very difficult time for me – for several reasons. First of all, the lack of sunshine and shortened days forced me to have my doctor increase my antidepressants during these winter months. (If you suffer from “seasonal” depression, you know exactly what I’m talking about.) Secondly, as I’ve mentioned before, I have Degenerative Disc Disease and, I’ve had several back and neck surgeries that have left me with painful arthritis in both areas... and fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, the cold weather just makes everything worse.

So, while I was really looking forward to Christmas – and don’t get me wrong… I had a wonderful Christmas – I truly relied on God’s strength to get me through the last couple of weeks. One thing that keeps me going is this Blog. My hope, my dream, is that the time I spend writing these daily posts can make a difference in just one person’s life. No one should ever think they are alone in this world…

The Power of God is always with you!

2011 TWELVE COMMANDMENTS

Okay, everyone. Christmas is over and it's time to start thinking about our New Year's resolutions. Here's the "TWELVE COMMANDMENTS" to get you thinking about what your resolutions could be for 2011.

1. Learn to find the simple pleasures in life.

2. Make the best of your circumstances. No one has everything, but everyone has something.

3. Don't take yourself too seriously.

4. You can't please everybody. Don't let criticism worry you.

5. Don't let your neighbor set your standards. Be yourself!

6. Do the things you enjoy doing... But stay out of debt!

7. Never borrow trouble. Imaginary things are harder to bear than real ones.

8. Since hate poisons the soul, do not cherish jealousy. Avoid people that make you unhappy.

9. Have many interests.

10. Don't spend time brooding over problems and mistakes.

11. Do what you can for those less fortunate than yourself.

12. Keep busy at something!

Author Unknown

A MOM’s Night Before Christmas

T'was the night before Christmas, and in my living room,
The noise was deafening, kinda like a sonic boom.
The stockings were flung by the dog on the floor
The unwrapped gifts were stacked by the door.

The children were wrestling & jumping on their beds,
And hitting each other (with bats) on their heads.
And me in my nightgown, and dad in his briefs,
Had just sat down for a little relief.

When out on the roof there was a noise like no other,
I sprang from the couch, (hoping it wasn’t my brother.)
Away to the yard I ran like a gazelle,
And I slipped on the ice and began to yell.

Ten or twelve inches of new-fallen snow
Covered all the sidewalks and the wind began to blow.
When, what to my weary eyes should I see,
But Santa’s sleigh, crashed right into a tree.

I ran over to him so fast and so quick,
I checked the vitals on Good Ole St Nick.
Then, I looked for footprints, where were the deer?
They had to be some, somewhere crashed here!

"Hey Dasher! Hey, Dancer! Hey, Prancer and Vixen!
Where’s, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen?
They were laying in the driveway – wrecked by my car.
I hollered, “Hey, Rudolph! How’d you get that far?”

So, they gathered back together, with Santa in tow.
Heading for the sky, they were ready to go.
They left some toys for my kids to play,
Just a few more hours until Christmas Day.

So, I went back inside and fixed us some dinner
Macaroni and cheese, It’s always a winner.
Once we were done, I sent them to bed.
They asked “Why?” - “Because, that’s what I said!”

I cleaned up the house and lit up the tree.
Wrapped up the presents, too tired to see.
I picked up the stockings, hung them on the wall,
Put apples, oranges and candy in all.

I turned on the oven, baking some more
Pies, Hams, cookies, and a few Petit-fours.
The family would be here tomorrow by noon
There’s so much to finish, time’d be over soon.

At 6 am, I climbed into bed,
I fell asleep when the pillow met my head.
The kids woke me at 6:15 on the dot!
Anxious to show me what each of them got.

See what Santa brought me! – They all cried with glee!
But I was so tired, I just couldn’t see!
New toys they each had, things that made noise.
New baseball bats for each of the boys.

When Christmas was gone, I felt kinda sad,
Through all the chaos, it’s wasn’t too bad.
Spending time with the family really was best.
It made it much easier to deal with the rest.

Merry Christmas!

"Belleau Wood"

I heard this "Christmas" song on the radio today - It touched my heart.

(lyrics are written by Joe Henry and Garth Brooks)

Oh, the snowflakes fell in silence
Over Belleau Wood that night
For a Christmas truce had been declared
By both sides of the fight
As we lay there in our trenches
The silence broke in two
By a German soldier singing
A song that we all knew

Though I did not know the language
The song was "Silent Night"

Then I heard my buddy whisper,
"All is calm and all is bright"
Then the fear and doubt surrounded me
'Cause I'd die if I was wrong
But I stood up in my trench
And I began to sing along

Then across the frozen battlefield
Another's voice joined in
Until one by one each man became
A singer of the hymn

Then I thought that I was dreaming
For right there in my sight
Stood the German soldier
'Neath the falling flakes of white
And he raised his hand and smiled at me
As if he seemed to say
Here's hoping we both live
To see us find a better way

Then the devil's clock struck midnight
And the skies lit up again
And the battlefield where heaven stood
Was blown to hell again

But for just one fleeting moment
The answer seemed so clear
Heaven's not beyond the clouds
It's just beyond the fear

No, heaven's not beyond the clouds
It's for us to find it here

In Remembrance

Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you,

Jesus Christ and a Soldier.

One died for your soul; the other for your freedom.

THE DIGITAL STORY OF THE NATIVITY

This is amazing! I hope you enjoy it.

Is there really a Santa Claus?

I recently spent some time volunteering for a Christmas party in my community. This party was really special. It was a combined effort of many different agencies (Toys for Tots, American Girl Scouts, The Shepherds Shelter, the YMCA and several local churches), coming together to insure that a particular group of families would be ABLE to celebrate Christmas… that children would be receiving gifts, a full stomach, and winter coats this holiday season.

I can’t explain the love that passed through the room that day. Economic barriers were erased as everyone shared the joy of Christmas! When my Pastor gathered the children around and told them the “real” Christmas story – the birth of Jesus – the kids were fascinated. The entire event was amazing. For nearly three hours, time stopped and magic filled the air.

Then, when Santa came to deliver the toys for the children… WOW! I thought the kids were going to burst with happiness. And they weren’t wild and crazy, jumping on Santa and fighting to get up front. Everyone was waiting patiently for their name to be called… so thankful for everything they had been given.

So, I ask you again – Is there a Santa Claus? Absolutely! I saw him reflected in every volunteer’s eyes this past Saturday!

Looking Back

I borrowed this from
Daily Dose of God's Word
At
Barbara's Entourage

Looking Back on Time

Do you know what you were doing a year ago? Ten years, twenty years? This time last year, my husband and I were keeping grandkids. It was cold and it was hard to keep them inside. They are outside kids, and love the trampoline. Socks were ruined, and it kept us busy keeping them dry, clean, and warm - the little boys, that is. This year, they are home. Mom's been home throughout the holidays, so we haven't kept them very much.

I can't remember what I was doing ten years ago, but I am sure it was babysitting my two oldest grandchildren, since their Mom was working then, too. But, I can tell you what I was doing thirty one years ago - waiting on the birth of my daughter, who was born the next day. I thought she was going to be a Christmas baby, and the Doctor assured my husband she'd be after New Year's making her appearance. Listen to the Mother - she knows best!

During this season, over 2,000 years ago, Mary had waited on the birth of her firstborn. We don't know if it was during December, or whether it was warm or cold. But, she didn't have the convenience of a hospital - not even the convenience of her own home and bed, in which to give birth. She was sent from the Inn because they didn't have room. Makes me wonder, if they had known who she was, if they'd have made room. But, she was sent to what we now call a barn, and her child was placed on hay. It's hard to imagine our Savior having to come to earth under those circumstances. But, it shows us that GOD is no respector of person - not even with His Son. He had to undergo the same things that each of us undergo - lived a human life on earth, withstanding the pressures of life, the temptations that we sometimes can't withstand - to become the Savior of the earth.

(I hope you guys enjoyed this as much as I did.)

Quote of the Day

You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore. ~ Christopher Columbus

Family

Tomorrow we are having my husband’s family here for our annual Christmas gathering. Before we were married, his family didn’t get together for the holidays. My family, on the other hand, has always gotten together, for every holiday – and for birthdays! We even have an annual reunion, for family members on my mother’s side, in a local park. Cousins travel from other states, to spend a couple hours with loved ones that they only see that one time a year… or, of course, at funerals or weddings.

Because of the closeness among my family members, I could not stand for my husband’s family NOT to gather for at least Thanksgiving or Christmas. When we first got married, I even encouraged them to get together several times over the summer for cook outs, etc. I wanted to get to know these people… they were my family now. They really enjoyed spending time together. They just hadn’t seemed to find it important up until then.

Anyway, everyone is coming here tomorrow. It’s kinda understood now that we are getting together... we just call each other to settle on a day and time. I think that everyone would truly miss it if we skipped our gathering. I know I would. Family is important!

Drill Sergeant Therapist

Well, we are snowed/iced in today because of the recent storms, and I’ve been laying on the couch all day – in my PJs, watching the AMC channel on the television. It just so happened that my favorite Geico commercial came on a little while ago… the one with R. Lee Ermey as the Drill Sarge therapist*. As someone who has had several different therapists in my lifetime I can relate to the patient in this commercial… lol.

Because of my history with Manic-Depression, therapy has been an important tool in my life. However, not all my therapists have been a good “match” for me. I have had several that, to say the least, were definitely a bit “unorthodox” in their practices.

Let me explain: Over the years, I have had a therapist that read other people’s cases while talking to me, one that had to “channel” the room with incense before each patient arrived, one that answered each of my questions with “Well, what do you think?”, and one that neglected to show up for over half of our appointments. But thankfully, I never had any like the Geico Drill Sergeant!

I must say, I never gave up on finding a therapist that was a perfect fit for me. As a result, I had a wonderful counselor for 8 years. Unfortunately, I had to switch to another one when my insurance changed 2 years ago. But, I was lucky enough to find a good fit again. And, of course, I always have my faith.

Joshua 1:9
Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

*To view the commercial, copy and paste this information to your address line - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhlWddAXSRA

Christmas Traditions

Well, we made it through the “Twelve Days of Christmas”, and we only have ten more days until we actually celebrate Jesus’ birth…ten more days to finish shopping, wrapping and baking.

I’ve always told my granddaughter that Christmas is Jesus’ Birthday, and yesterday, while we were wrapping presents to put under the tree, she asked me, “Where’s Jesus’ present?” Huh! I didn’t have an answer for her. People always leave cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve, but never a gift for Jesus – and it’s His BIRTHDAY!

It made me wonder if we should start a new tradition… maybe wrap up a something special and leave it for Him. And then, I thought, “Well, how would Jesus take His present?” Then, it came to me! Why don’t we leave a bit of ourselves for Jesus on His birthday – That would be the best gift of all for Him. And that’s something even a three year old can understand.

So, this year, in addition to OUR Christmas presents under the tree, we are going to leave a special Birthday gift for Jesus. I’m going to suggest we write what our gifts are on a piece of paper and wrap them all up in a pretty box with a beautiful bow. I’ve decided that my gift will be less time watching television and more time studying devotions, etc. (I’m anxious to see what my granddaughter's gift will be.)

We always read Luke 2:1-20 before we open our presents on Christmas morning. Perhaps this year we can open Jesus’ present once the story is complete – before we open our gifts. A new tradition!

I hope you and your family find a way to bring Jesus into your Christmas traditions.

Kindness...

Finishing up with our twelve days of "gifts" that we all can give to each other - gifts that won't cost us a thing...

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...KINDNESS.

It seems that people are prone to be nicer during certain times of the year more than others: Christmas, your Birthday, or when a child is born. Heck, even tragedy brings kindness and compassion within a community of strangers. But can you imagine what the world would be like if we offered that type of kindness year-round?
Well, there’s actually a website that inspires you to commit “Random Acts of Kindness”. They even include the TOP 70 acts to get you started! I thought that was a great idea, so I’ve posted some of their information here:

Open the door for another person.
Invite a couple of neighborhood kids over for a cooking class.
Drop off a plant or some home-made baked goods to your local police or fire department.
Donate blood
Open the car door for your passenger.
Add some quarters to a parking meter you notice is getting low.

Read more at: http://www.bukisa.com/articles/247610_top-70-random-acts-of-kindness-ideas#ixzz183FCEllv

“Treat everyone with politeness, even those who are rude to you - not because they are nice, but because you are.” ~Author Unknown

Hope...

Continuing on with our twelve days of "gifts" that we all can give to each other - gifts that won't cost us a thing...

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...HOPE.

There are two stories of HOPE throughout history when it comes to FAITH.

The first story - From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote The Twelve Days of Christmas as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.-
-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.
-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven ”faithful” disciples.
-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

The second story - When threatened by Romans in the first centuries after Christ, Christians used the fish to mark meeting places and tombs, or to distinguish friends from foes. According to one ancient story, when a Christian met a stranger in the road, the Christian sometimes drew one arc of the simple fish outline in the dirt. If the stranger drew the other arc, both believers knew they were in good company.

Especially now, in the US, where we are able to worship freely and without persecution, let us all be filled with HOPE!

Compassion...

Continuing on with our twelve days of "gifts" that we all can give to each other - gifts that won't cost us a thing...

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...COMPASSION.

Yesterday afternoon, a group of us from our church got together and went to a local nursing facility to sing Christmas carols. We had originally planned to go "caroling" in the neighborhood that surrounds our church - but it began raining earlier in the day - and we called the nursing home as a last minute idea. As a result, there were only six of us that went. But, each of us that went were abundantly blessed by our decision to attend.

Some of the residents waved to us as we made our way down the corridors of their home, singing "Jingle Bells" or "Silent Nights". It made us smile. But what really melted our hearts, were the ones that would stop what they were doing and start singing along with us. Some would even request a favorite song for us to sing with them.

We went to that nursing facility to bring a little bit of Christmas to the residents lives - to show them some Compassion - and what we found was... the spirit of Christmas. For the hour that we were there, nothing else matter but the joy and acceptance that we all were feeling. It was amazing - we were being blessed when we thought we were going to bless them!

Compassion is a funny thing.

Wisdom...

Continuing on with our twelve days of "gifts" that we all can give to each other - gifts that won't cost us a thing...

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...WISDOM.

Cherokee Legend

Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of Passage?

His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves him alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it. He cannot cry out for help to anyone.

Once he survives the night, he is a MAN.

He cannot tell the other boys of this experience, because each lad must come into manhood on his own.

The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all around him . Maybe even some human might do him harm.
The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he could become a man!

Finally, after a horrific night the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold.
It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him.
He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm.

We, too, are never alone.
Even when we don't know it, God is watching over us, Sitting on the stump beside us.
When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him.

Just because you can't see God,
Doesn't mean He is not there.

"For we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7

Photo - www.photobucket.com

Forgiveness...

Continuing on with our twelve days of "gifts" that we all can give to each other - gifts that won't cost us a thing...

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...FORGIVENESS.

Matthew 6:14
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

Why is it so hard to forgive someone that has truly hurt us? Because we are human. There are no miraculous spells we can say or a certain amount time that must pass that will make forgiveness come easier, either. When we are hurt to our core, we naturally want to protect ourselves – and we often feel that withholding forgiveness from someone insures our protection.

What we don’t seem to notice is this… Forgiveness is a gift that we can give ourselves. When we let go of our anger and bitter feelings toward someone else, we are freeing ourselves. Often times, the person that hurt us isn’t even aware of how we’ve been struggling with the pain they've caused us. In some cases, it may not be necessary for us to face the person again anyway. (Forgiving isn’t the same as forgetting, after all.)

So, maybe this Christmas season, you could open yourself to forgive someone that has wronged you in the past… or perhaps help someone that is struggling with this issue. The peace that follows can’t be described… I know because I forgave someone that hurt me very deeply in my past.

Time...

Continuing on with our twelve days of "gifts" that we all can give to each other - gifts that won't cost us a thing...

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...TIME.

When I was in high school, I belonged to a group called Teens Who Care (TWC). We volunteered at Nursing Homes and other facilities. Even as a teenager I knew that I was doing a good thing, and it felt great to do something selfless for someone else.

One of the ways we can make a difference anytime of the year – not just at Christmas – is by offering a little bit of ourselves to others in need. There are so many organizations that help people (and animals), that you are bound to find something that is a good fit for you.

I have listed some organizations below (in the Kentuckiana area) that you can research. You can also "Google" organizations in your area. Hopefully, you can find somewhere that you would love to give of yourself and your TIME.

The Shepherd's Shelter Inc. - http://shepherdsshelter.org/
The Shepherd’s Shelter Inc., TSSI, is a 501c3 non-profit, faith-based organization founded in 2001 by a small group of caring citizens concerned about the increasing number of Bullitt County families facing a growing housing crisis. The commitment of this grassroots effort has resulted in Bullitt County’s first organized effort to prevent and end homelessness through a continuum of care. TSSI is now providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent housing and supportive services designed to help participants gain a high level of self-sufficiency that will break the cycle of recurring homelessness.

Ronald McDonald House® - http://rmhc-kentuckiana.org/what-we-do/ronald-mcdonald-house/
The first Ronald McDonald House opened in Philadelphia over thirty years ago, inspired by the empathy for families with seriously ill children needing care at hospitals far from home. Ronald McDonald House Charities® was founded to carry out the work of what has become one of the most far-reaching non-profit agencies in the world. Dedicated in memory of McDonald’s founder and children’s advocate Ray Kroc, the Charity now supports about 293 Ronald McDonald Houses serving over 10 million families worldwide.

HOPE for Pets Inc - http://www.hopeforpets.org/
HOPE for Pets is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization. HOPE is dedicated to improving the lives of stray, shelter and companion animals in Bullitt County, Ky. Their programs are designed to eliminate pet overpopulation and provide assistance for pet care needs to the elderly, low-income and special need members of our community. They also offer educational programs and material regarding responsible pet ownership.

Home of the Innocents - http://www.homeoftheinnocents.org/
Since 1880, the Home has provided services for those children and their families in the community facing severe crisis – abused, abandoned and neglected children, medically fragile children and children with autism.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana - http://www.bbbs.org/
For over a century, Big Brothers and Big Sisters have helped children reach their potential through professionally supported one-to-one relationships with proven results.

Acts 20:35
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Understanding...

Continuing on with our twelve days of "gifts" that we all can give to each other - gifts that won't cost us a thing...

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...UNDERSTANDING.

I have two Christmas mornings from my childhood that really stand out in my mind…
The first one – I was about seven or eight years old, and I could not wait for Santa to come. I had never asked for a doll… NEVER! I wasn’t one of “those” little girls – I was a “die hard” tomboy! But that year I asked Santa for a very special baby. You see, this doll that I had asked for wasn’t just any doll. This was THUMBELINA. She could roll over!

Anyway, about 4:00am on Christmas morning, my sister and I climbed out of our bunk beds, and tip-toed into the family room. The moment my eyes fell on her, I cried. The lights from the tree sparkled and danced on her beautiful blond hair. Her little lips were painted the prettiest shade of pink I had ever seen. I was afraid to touch her. After a moment of letting it soak in that she was really there and she was mine… I pushed the tiny button on her back and she slowly rolled over. I melted! I don’t remember anything else I got for Christmas that year!

The second Christmas morning that really has stayed with me after all these years – The year after Thumbelina… I asked my parents for a dinosaur that roared when you pushed a button on his back, and his arm would shoot off when you pulled a lever on his side. I was ecstatic when I saw him sitting under the tree! My cousin and I spent Christmas day shooting his arm at Thumbelina… lol.

The point I’m trying to make is this – I wasn’t a typical “sugar and spice and everything nice” little girl. However, my mom listened to my wants on my birthday and Christmas, etc. I wasn’t forced to be put in a box that I didn’t feel I fit in. I was given UNDERSTANDING.

As a result, when my son was four years old and wanted a “My Buddy” for Christmas, he got one. Some people discouraged me from getting it for him saying, “Little boys don’t need dolls.” But, I knew my son needed understanding, just like I had years before.

When we give gifts for Christmas, we aren’t really giving Thumbelina dolls or My Buddy dolls; we’re really giving love and understanding to the people that are most important in our lives. That's the best gift to give.

Love...

Continuing on with our twelve days of "gifts" that we all can give to each other - gifts that won't cost us a thing...

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...LOVE.

John 3:16-17
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

What a wonderful show of unselfish LOVE by God! How could WE possibly match up to that? We can’t. Heck, we aren’t expected to live up to it. In Matthew 22, Jesus explains what His expectations are of us:

Matthew 22:37-40 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

So, how do we show love to our “neighbors” this Christmas? Volunteer in a soup kitchen, go Christmas Caroling in a children’s hospital, adopt a family from an “Angel Tree”, cook a meal for a needy family for Christmas, or spend some time with residents in a nursing facility. The love we share will come back at us two-fold.

Friendship...

Continuing on with our twelve days of "gifts" that we all can give to each other - gifts that won't cost us a thing...

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...FRIENDSHIP.

I have a group of woman that I hang out with – we call ourselves the “YA YAs”. We try to go on “retreats” a couple of times a year to learn more about God, the Bible, ourselves, and woman in general. We spend a lot of time talking, laughing, and crying. Over the years, we have really developed deep friendships with each other.

I also belong to the women’s group at my church. Every month, we (about 10 – 14 of us) get together for a meal, a short program, and plan different service projects we can do in our community. We always have great fellowship! Over time, we all have developed great friendships…relationships that are rooted in God’s love.

It’s a great thing to have true friends. It’s so fulfilling when you offer yourself as a real friend to someone else. So, what makes a FRIEND? And when do we cross the line from acquaintance to friend?

According to ezinearticles.com:

Friendship is a personal relationship shared between each friend for the welfare of (the) other.
A friend is one who knows you as a person and regards you for what you are and not what he or she is looking (for) in a good friend.
It is a pure relationship
It is string of love which develops gradually with each others involvement.

My favorite? It’s a string of love! What a wonderful gift to give for Christmas.

Empathy...

Continuing on with our twelve days of "gifts" that we all can give to each other - gifts that won't cost us a thing...

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... EMPATHY.

I bet everyone remembers where they were when the planes flew into The World Trade Centers on September 11, 2001. New York - a place whose people were once known for their coldness to one another - came together and became a "family" in the face of tragedy. Everyone seemed to see their own sadness in the eyes of everyone they passed in the streets that day.

But, history isn't required to change in order for us to feel empathy for those that live around us everyday. We have so much in common with the people in our communities, regardless of race, social standing, or status. All of us have needs and desires... we each have families that we love... we all have experienced heartache in our lifetime. Our feelings and emotions are similar even if our economic or religious backgrounds aren't.

If we can acknowledge, "I know what you're going through" or "I know how you feel", we can offer something to someone that perhaps no one else has this holiday season... Empathy. Try to remember a time that you felt alone and how much that offering would have meant to you. Let God work through you this Christmas Season.

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Romans 12:15

Laughter

Continuing on with our twelve days of "gifts" that we all can give to each other - gifts that won't cost us a thing...

On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... LAUGHTER.

What do elves learn in school?
The elf-abet.

What is the difference between the Christmas alphabet and the ordinary alphabet?
The Christmas alphabet has No L.

Why does Santa have 3 gardens?
So he can hoe hoe hoe.

A lot of times, when my family gets together for the holidays (or any other time), we have so much fun... often laughing so hard (at each other) that we end up with headaches or stomach cramps. It's great to be able to let go and be silly.

Laughter is the one thing that we are able to sincerely give to each other... a gift from our hearts. No long lines at the store, no hours worrying if we bought the perfect gift, no stress over credit card bills after the holidays... just genuine time spent with our loved ones enjoying each other! Now that's an awesome present.

My True Love Gave to Me...

Considering Christmas is almost upon us - and the economy hasn't made the big comeback we all had hoped for... I decided to dedicate the next twelve days to writing about "gifts" we all can give to each other - gifts that won't cost us a thing! So, here goes:

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... PATIENCE.

Today I had a procedure scheduled on my back - some nerve blocks to help reduce my pain levels. They asked me to be there at 10:15am. I also had to have someone accompany me, because I wouldn't be able to drive home after I was sedated. My husband agreed to be my chauffeur.

Anyway, at 11:20 we were still sitting in the waiting room. Now, I had been fasting since midnight last night, and I was starting to get a little thirsty... and a little irritated. So, I went to the reception area and calmly asked them about how much longer it would be - only to find out that the doctor wasn't even there yet!

Well, I maintained my composure. Although, on the inside I was boiling! It even got worse when the other patients in the waiting room told me that this is standard practice for this office. It was all I could do to sit still and keep my cool. (You can ask my mom... she could tell you about the time a doctor's office actually fired me from being a patient!) So, by the time I got back into the prep room, my blood pressure was 160/100.

My husband on the other hand... calm as a cucumber. He knew how nervous I was about this procedure today. He also knew that a lot of my frustration in that waiting room was because of the anticipation I was feeling, and the pain I was experiencing. He was my rock! To be truthful, he always is.

So, for Christmas this year, my gift to him will be more patience. That is a very hard thing for me, so I know he'll really appreciate it!

Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Women...

I saw Anita Renfroe in “concert” tonight. She is a Christian comedian from Atlanta, Georgia, the wife of a Baptist pastor and the mother of three children. She became a sensation after her comic rendition of everything that a mother would typically say to her children in the course of a day, set to the William Tell Overture and entitled “Momisms”, was posted on YouTube.* She was hilarious!

It was great to spend some time with other women, and laugh at jokes about women - really let our hair down, so to speak. So often in life, especially at this time of year, we take ourselves so seriously. We try to make everything perfect for our families during the holiday season: perfect gifts, decorations, food, etc. We tend to lose ourselves in the process.

So, sit back and take a deep breath… Remember that it’s okay to give yourself a break. Maybe even hum a Christmas Carol when you feel the stress coming on…

Rocking Around The Christmas Tree
Johnny Marks

Rockin around the Christmas tree
At the Christmas party hop
Mistletoe hung where you can see
Every couple tries to stop
Rocking around the Christmas tree,
Let the Christmas spirit ring
Later we'll have some pumpkin pie
And we'll do some caroling.

You will get a sentimental
Feeling when you hear
Voices singing let's be jolly,
Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Rocking around the Christmas tree,
Have a happy holiday
Everyone dancing merrily
In the new old-fashioned way.

*http://en.wikipedia.org

Thought for the Day

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the staircase."
-- Martin Luther King, Jr

Plugged In

I heard about a great website today… http://www.pluggedin.com/.

“Plugged In Online is a Focus on the Family publication designed to shine a light on the world of popular entertainment while giving families the essential tools they need to understand, navigate and impact the culture in which they live.”
This website offers ratings and reviews on movies, videos, music, television shows, and games – not alphabetically ratings or stars – they actually go deeper into the content of the media and the meaning behind it.

If you’re concerned about what you’re purchasing for your kids or grandchildren this holiday season, you can check it out on this site first. Here’s what is included in their movie reviews:

Positive Elements, Spiritual Content, Sexual Content, Violent Content, Crude or Profane Language, Drug or Alcohol Content, Other Negative Elements, Conclusion

Don’tcha wish everything in life can with this much research?