~Results - Stable~

Jan didn't quite get what she had hoped and prayed for, nor did we, but we can still find JOY IN STABLE ~ NO GROWTH.

Laurie Ann left me a comment that I felt fitting to share, "May this be a cancer-free tumor-shrinking year for her!"

Laurie Ann is familiar with this brain cancer road, as many others are. She has an uncle who is also fighting brain cancer. His name is Jimmy, and he recently underwent another surgery. Please join our family, and Laurie Ann's in praying for, "cancer-free-tumor-shrinking 2009."

Have a great New Years Eve with much JOY!

Love,
Cheryl

~WFW~ Blessings, Joy & Desires of the Heart~

Numbers 6: 24-26 "The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."

John 10:10 "A thief comes to steal and kill and destroy, but I came to give life—life in all its fullness. NCV"

NIH ~ "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."

NIH ~ Reader's Version ~ But he said to me, "My grace is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak." So I am very happy to brag about how weak I am. Then Christ's power can rest on me."

Jesus didn't die for us so we could be joyless and miserable. Just like in John 10:10 he said, "He came so we could have life and ENJOY IT."

My prayer is that in 2009, you are granted "the desires of your heart."

Janet/Gerald at back at MD Anderson. I'm not sure what her schedule is, but I think she probably did her testing tonight, and will see her oncologist tomorrow. Or at least that is the norm. I think other than some stomach issues from the medicines, she is feeling good. Please pray that she will be given the desire of her heart which is NO CANCER OR SHRINKING IN SIZE OF THE TUMOR(S). It would be a grand way to leave 2008!

For more, WFW ~ go to http://the160acrewoods.com/

Love,
Cheryl

~Faith ~ Endurance ~ Perserverance~

Hebrews 12:1 ~ We are surrounded by a great cloud of people whose lives tell us what faith means. So let us run the race that is before us and never give up. We should remove from our lives anything that would get in the way and the sin that so easily holds us back.

Faith  ~ –noun
1. confidence or trust in a person or thing: faith in another's ability.
2. belief that is not based on proof: He had faith that the hypothesis would be substantiated by fact.
3. belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion: the firm faith of the Pilgrims.
4. belief in anything, as a code of ethics, standards of merit, etc.: to be of the same faith with someone concerning honesty.
5. a system of religious belief: the Christian faith; the Jewish faith.
6. the obligation of loyalty or fidelity to a person, promise, engagement, etc.
7. the observance of this obligation; fidelity to one's promise, oath, allegiance, etc.
8. Christian Theology. the trust in God and in His promises as made through Christ and the Scriptures by which humans are justified or saved.

The biblical word endurance or perseverance--the ability to keep on doing the things you have committed yourself to doing when you feel like it and when you don't. Nothing is more essential to success in the Christian life than perseverance. Faith gets you started; perseverance keeps you going.

This matter of perseverance is so critical to the Christian life that James 1 tells us that above all other human traits, perseverance is the characteristic that God is trying to build into your life and mine. The ability to keep on going. Keep making and keeping the commitments of life.

It's easy to start a task or something, but how hard is it to keep following Christ--even when the pressure is on--that takes staying power. "My brothers, consider it pure joy when you fall into various trials knowing that the trying of your faith produces perseverance."

Staying power! James 1 goes on to say, "But let perseverance have its perfect work that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing" (v.4).

This week we stand on the hinge between two years--2008 and 2009. How will these two years mark your life? Looking back on 2008 for a moment, there were some pretty significant peaks and valleys.

Paul in Philippians 3:13-14 "but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" that's perseverance.

Looking ahead to 2009, we don't know what the year will bring, but we can be sure, God is faithful. His mercies will be new every morning of every day of the new year. There's power in the day when you start it with faith in God and a commitment to perseverance.
Portion taken from James McDonald

It has been an extremely difficult year.

~Revelation Song~ Kari Jobe~

~Happy Christmas~

LUKE 2:10-11 NKJ
10 Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold,
I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all
people.
11 "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a
Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Why say, "Happy Christmas"? Everyone knows that's not the
traditional greeting.

Aaah... tradition!

Sometimes we have more reverence for tradition than we do for
truth, or even than we do for God himself. Not that tradition
is all bad -- far from it. We just must not worship our
traditions and put them ahead of truth.

Tradition won't set you free -- but truth will.

Many traditions have grown up around Christmas -- some good,
and some not so good.

There is not much question that Jesus of Nazareth was NOT born
on December 25th, or anytime close to that date. But does it
matter? The important thing is that He WAS born, and that is
something worthy of celebration.

PHILIPPIANS 1:18 NIV
18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in
every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is
preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will
continue to rejoice,

This is the way to look at Christmas: Christ is being
remembered -- by the world. Yes, there is too much
commercialism. And, yes, Jesus is often forgotten in all the
rush and hubbub of the season.

But how wonderful that the largest celebration of the year is
centered around the coming to earth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
That is something to be glad about!

Let's not be sucked in to fighting about the negatives of
Christmas. Let's emphasize Jesus, and try to remind others that
Jesus is the reason for us to celebrate. Portions taken from Daily Devotion

May you have a very Happy Christmas!

Cheryl

~A Savior has been Born~

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”- Luke 2:11-14

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

With much Love,

Cheryl

~ History ~

Did you know that “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” was written about a family tragedy during the Civil War?

Christmas Carol: "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day"

The date was July 10, 1861. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, his wife Fanny, and their five children lived in the historic Craigie House in Cambridge, Massachusetts, overlooking the Charles River. The day before, Fanny had recorded in her journal, "We are all sighing for a good sea breeze instead of this stifling land one filled with dust."

Seven-year-old Edith complained of her long hair and Fanny decided to cut off some of her curls and to preserve them in sealing wax. As she melted a bar of sealing wax with a candle, a few drops fell unnoticed on her light summer dress. The sea breeze they longed for suddenly gusted through the open window, billowing her dress into the flame and immediately wrapping her in fire. Henry frantically tried to extinguish the flames with a nearby undersized throw-rug. When that did not work to smother the flames, he threw his arms around his wife and was severely burned on his face, arms, and hands. Fanny died the next morning. And too ill from his burns and his grief, Henry did not attend her funeral.

Earlier in 1861, on April 10, Confederate General Pierre G. T. Beauregard fired the opening shots of the American Civil War, and Charles, the son of Henry and Fanny Longfellow, enlisted in the Army of the Potomac. Then in 1863 Charles was seriously wounded with a bullet passing under his shoulder blades.

The war, Fanny's death, then Charles' severe injuries. The first Christmas after Fanny's death, Longfellow wrote in his journal, "How inexpressibly sad are all holidays." A year later he wrote, "I can make no record of these days. Better leave them wrapped in silence. Perhaps someday God will give me peace." And on Christmas Day 1862 he wrote, "A merry Christmas say the children, but that is no more for me."

After Charles was wounded in war, the Christmas of 1863 was silent in Longfellow's journal. But finally on Christmas Day in 1864 he wrote the words of the poem "Christmas Bells" – a poem about the Civil War but also about faith in the midst of tragedy. The fives stanzas of the poem without reference to the war became the text of the familiar carol, "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day." Listen to the words and think about the theology wrapped in them:

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Till ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head,
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."

Then peeled the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail; the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men."

Chances are you know the first stanza of the famous Christmas carol “What Child is This”—but as with many holiday songs, the second verse brings out a whole new meaning to the carol. Give those often-overlooked second, third, and fourth stanzas a read next time you’ve got a hymnal at hand!

What Child Is This?

"This Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel . . . that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." —Luke 2:34-35

One of our most beloved Christmas carols was written in 1865 by William Dix, an Englishman who managed a maritime insurance company and loved to write hymns. Sung to the English melody “Greensleeves,” some versions use the latter half of the first verse as a chorus for the other verses:

This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard
and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring Him laud—
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

But in other versions, each stanza is unique. The second verse, rarely sung today, looks beyond the manger to the cross:

Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear, for sinners here,
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Simeon said to Mary, “This Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” (Luke 2:34-35).

The Child of Christmas came to be our Savior. “Joy, joy for Christ is born, the Babe, the Son of Mary.” — David C. McCasland

The birth of Christ brought God to man; the cross of Christ brings man to God."
From: Gospel.com

So much history! Times/things were so different, yet in some respects a lot alike!

~Day Late~ But Needed a Joke~

Missed Friday Funnies, Thankful Thursday, Wordfilled Wednesday, and TTMSS, so I'm just adding some Church Mice jokes. Click on the cartoon and it will enlarge

We've had some changes the last 1 1/2 weeks at work, which have actually been for the better. We have a new team leader, which I'm not thrilled about AT ALL.

The person who was in this position was fabulous. She has had to step down because of personal obligations. This new person, appears to have some issues with POWER. It also appears that she thinks she has to "police" us to make sure we are doing what we are supposed to.

I hope I'm wrong in these regards!

~The Birth of Jesus~

“[The Birth of Jesus] In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.”- Luke 2:1, 4-5

~Interesting~

The typical story we hear repeated is:

“It’s about 2000 years ago, the evening of December 25. Mary rides into Bethlehem on a donkey, urgently needing to deliver her baby. Although it’s an emergency, all the innkeepers turn them away. So they deliver baby Jesus in a stable. Then angels sing to the shepherds. Afterwards, they all join three kings with camels in worshipping the quiet, newborn.”

The problem is, this story may be almost entirely wrong. The events surrounding the birth have been retold so many times and in so many ways—in plays, poetry, books and movies—that most people have a distorted view of the true events. The only accurate record is found in the Holy Bible, God’s Word.

Did Mary ride a donkey to Bethlehem? Perhaps, but there are various other possibilities. The Bible doesn’t say how she got to Bethlehem. It only says that she came with Joseph.
Did Mary arrive in Bethlehem the night she gave birth? The Bible does not suggest this. They could have arrived weeks earlier. God’s Word simply states, “while they were there [in Bethlehem], the days were accomplished that she should be delivered” (Luke 2:6). Arriving in town well before her due date would make more sense.

Did Joseph or Mary talk to any innkeepers? Perhaps, but there is no solid, biblical reason to believe that they did. Although innkeepers play a prominent part in many Christmas plays, no innkeeper is actually mentioned in the biblical record of Christ’s birth. Furthermore, it is likely that Mary and Joseph actually stayed in a house with relatives, not behind some kind of Bible-times hotel. (See below)

Was Jesus born in a stable? Or a barn? Or a cave? The Bible does not mention any of these three places in connection with Christ’s birth, only a manger. Scripture simply reports that they laid Jesus in a manger because there was no room for him in the guest room. The Greek word used in Scripture is kataluma, and can mean guest chamber, lodging place or inn. The only other time this word was used in the New Testament, it means a furnished, large, upper story room within a private house. It is translated guest chamber, not inn (Mark 14:14-15). According to our Bible archaeology experts, Jesus was probably born in the house of relatives, but outside (under) the normal living and guest quarters. (Learn more: Was Jesus born in a stable? / What is a manger? / What is an inn?

“Away in a manger the baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.” Although this is part of a beautiful song, we cannot be sure that Jesus did not cry. The Bible does not report this.

Did angels sing to the shepherds outside of Bethlehem? Perhaps, but the Bible doesn’t specifically say that the angels sang. It says that first an angel appeared and spoke, and then appeared “a multitude of the heavenly host praising God” (Luke 2:13).

Were angels present at the birth? It seems logical to assume that they were, however, Scripture does not report it, and there is no evidence that angels were visible to Mary and Joseph at this time.
Did three kings riding camels come to Jesus’ birth? The Bible does not say that any kings or camels visited young Jesus.

It does report wise men (“magi”) came, but it does not say how many. None of the early Church Fathers, suggested the magi were kings. Since the word “magi” used in the Bible is plural, there were apparently at least two, and there could have been more—even several more. The Bible simply mentions three costly gifts they presented—gold, frankincense and myrrh, but this does not necessarily indicate the number of magi. There is also no proof of what country these men came from.


Before the arrival of the magi in Bethlehem, Jesus traveled to and from Jerusalem for presentation in the Temple (Luke 2:21-22).


Also, the wise men clearly did not visit Jesus when he was still lying in the manger, as is commonly shown on greeting cards and in plays. The magi did not arrive until sometime after Christ’s presentation in the Temple in Jerusalem (Luke 2:22-39). At this time, Scripture calls Jesus a “child,” not a “baby.” It is possible that little Jesus was walking and talking by then. Based on the calculations of King Herod and the magi (Matthew 2:16), Jesus could been two years old or under. [Learn more: About the “wise men” (magi)]

Was Jesus born on December 25, or in December at all? Although it’s not impossible, it seems unlikely. The Bible does not specify a date or month. One problem with December is that it would be unusual for shepherds to be “abiding in the field” at this cold time of year when fields were unproductive. The normal practice was to keep the flocks in the fields from Spring to Autumn. Also, winter would likely be an especially difficult time for pregnant Mary to travel the long distance from Nazareth to Bethlehem (70 miles).

“A more probable time would be late September, the time of the annual Feast of Tabernacles, when such travel was commonly accepted. Thus, it is rather commonly believed (though not certain) that Jesus’ birth was around the last of September. The conception of Christ, however, may have taken place in late December of the previous year. Our Christmas celebration may well be recognized as an honored observation of the incarnation of ‘the Word made flesh’ (John 1:14).”


Isn’t the virgin birth of Jesus Christ mythological and scientifically impossible? Answer

How do we know the Bible is true? Answer

When we say that the Bible is the Word of God, does that imply that it is completely accurate, or does it contain insignificant inaccuracies in details of history and science? Answer

How can the Bible be infallible if it is written by fallible humans? Answer

“…The probability is that this mighty angel, leading the heavenly host in their praises, was Michael the archangel; this occasion was later commemorated by the early church as Michaelmas (‘Michael sent’), on September 29, the same as the date of the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles. It would have at least been appropriate for Christ to have been born on such a date, for it was at His birth that ‘the Word was made flesh and dwelt (literally tabernacled) among us’ (John 1:14).

This would mean, then, that His conception took place in late December. Thus, it might well be that when we today celebrate Christ’s birth at what we call Christmas (i.e., ‘Christ sent’), we are actually celebrating His miraculous conception, the time when the Father sent the Son into the world, in the virgin’s womb. This darkest time of the year—the time of the pagan Saturnalia, and the time when the sun (the physical ‘light of the world’) is at its greatest distance from the Holy Land—would surely be an appropriate time for God to send the spiritual ‘light of the world’ into the world as the ‘Savior, which is Christ the Lord’ (Luke 2:11)” [Dr. Henry M. Morris, The Defender’s Study Bible (notes for Luke 2:8,13)].

(The word “Christmas” means “Christ mass,” a special celebration of the Lord’s supper—called a mass in the Roman Catholic Church and a Communion supper in most Protestant churches.)

Why do many Christians celebrate Christmas on the 25th of December, if that is not when he was born?

The date was chosen by the Roman Catholic Church. Because Rome dominated most of the “Christian” world for centuries, the date became tradition throughout most of Christendom.

The original significance of December 25 is that it was a well-known festival day celebrating the annual return of the sun. December 21 is the winter solstice (shortest day of the year and thus a key date on the calendar), and December 25 is the first day that ancients could clearly note that the days were definitely getting longer and the sunlight was returning.

So, why was December 25 chosen to remember Jesus Christ’s birth with a mass (or Communion supper)? Since no one knows the day of his birth, the Roman Catholic Church felt free to chose this date. The Church wished to replace the pagan festival with a Christian holy day (holiday). The psychology was that is easier to take away an unholy (but traditional) festival from the population, when you can replace it with a good one. Otherwise, the Church would have left a void where there was a long-standing tradition, and risked producing a discontented population and a rapid return to the old ways.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The various misconceptions about Christ’s birth illustrate the need to always test everything we hear against God’s Word, no matter what the source. The Bible is the final authority.

Despite human misconceptions, the actual facts about Jesus are more marvelous than words can express. He was indeed born of a virgin in the city of Bethlehem exactly as prophecied many years before. Jesus was conceived in Mary, not by man, but by the Holy Spirit of God. As the apostle John reveals, Jesus existed before the Creation of the world (John 1). He is part of the Holy Trinity we know as God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). The Son of God came in human form for a purpose—to die as a willing sacrifice in payment for the sins of mankind. He did this to provide eternal salvation as a free gift to all who will accept it and follow Him

~In Those Days~

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:1-7 NIV

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),”- Luke 1:68-70

~Mary's Response~

And Mary said: 'My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, Luke 1:46-48 NIV

“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”- Matthew 1:20-21

~Can you EVEN Begin To Imagine How Mary Felt?~

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, 'Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.' Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.' Luke 1:26-33 NIV

~Then Sings My Soul Saturday~Mark Harris~One True God~

Only the Song ~ Video Went.......?

For more See Amy at Then Sings My Soul Saturday

Have a Great Saturday!

Cheryl

~Graduation & Birthday~

Tomorrow, December 13, 2008, my nephew Micah will graduate from college. And, Sunday, December 14, my niece, Jen will be 26.

Tomorrow, our family will be celebrating this great accomplishment of Micah's and Jen's birthday following the graduation ceremonies at a local restaurant called BJ's. It is a yummy place to go.

I think some are also going to go Snow Tubing tomorrow evening as well. Oklahoma has ice skating and tubing (fake snow) that they set up for a period of time around the holidays each year. I've been "real" snow tubing years ago which was great fun. I already have other plans tomorrow evening.

Congratulations Micah. I know you've worked hard! Happy Happy Birthday, Jen!
Love you both so very much!

Cheryl

~Friday Funnies~

A Sunday School teacher asked her little children, as they were on the way to church service, "And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?"
One bright little girl replied, "Because people are sleeping."
****************************************************
A little boy opened the big and old family Bible with fascination, looking at the old pages as he turned them. Then something fell out, and he picked it up and looked at it closely. It was an old leaf from a tree that had been pressed in between the pages.
"Momma, look what I found," the boy called out.
"What have you got there, dear?" his mother asked.
With astonishment in the his voice, he answered, "It's Adam's Suit!"
**************************************************
The preacher was wired for sound with a lapel mic, and as he preached, he moved briskly about the platform, jerking the mic cord as he went. Then he moved to one side, getting wound up in the cord and nearly tripping before jerking it again.
After several circles and jerks, a little girl in the third pew leaned toward her mother and whispered,"If he gets loose, will he hurt us?"
*************************************************
Six-year old Angie and her four-year old brother, Joel, were sitting together in church. Joel giggled, sang and talked out loud.
Finally, his big sister had had enough. "You're not supposed to talk out loud in church."
"Why? Who's going to stop me?" Joel asked.
Angie pointed to the back of the church and said, "See those two men standing by the door? They're hushers."
**************************************************

If you are up for more, head over to Kim @ Homsteaders Heart

Have a Fabulous Friday and weekend.

~Thankful Thursday~

I haven't particpated in TT in some time. I have so much to be thankful for...so much that I just take for granted.

*heat*water*gas*food*shelter*job*computer/internet to do my job*clothing*friends*family.....the list goes on and on. Most especially for "the glory of the LORD...."

Have a Thankful Thursday!

Cheryl

~The Sustainer of All Things~

[Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. - Colossians 1:15-20

Did you know that there are forces in nature that science can’t explain? Forces such as gravity, centrifugal force, and others. Scientists can study them; they can analyze them; they can even measure them, but they don’t know why they are there.

One of the physicists who developed the Big Bang Theory puzzled over how we could live in a world in which practically every object was a potential nuclear explosion, and yet not be blown to bits. Carl Darrow, a physicist at Bell Laboratories, wrote that these particles have no right to be alive at all—they never should have been created and, if created, they should have blown up instantly. Yet there is something that relentlessly holds them together.

What is this force that keeps the universe intact? Where does the power come from to keep us from instantly dissolving into one massive nuclear explosion? The answer is found in Colossians 1:17, "[Jesus] is before all things, and in him all things hold together." Not only did He create all things (verse v. 16), but by His hand we are held together. Jesus Christ is the power behind every mysterious force in the universe.

Someday at the time of His Father’s choosing and as 2 Peter 3:10-12 teaches, Jesus will withdraw His sustaining influence and there will be a blowout such as none of us has ever imagined.

Then, after our old universe has passed away, He will create a new heaven and a new earth, where we will live with Him forever (2 Peter 3:13).

By just a word of His power (Hebrews 1:3), Jesus holds all things together. He is the relentless force in the universe, and although unbelieving men and women turn away from Him, we worship Him as the central figure in all time and space. He is supreme; He is eternal; He is the Sustainer of all things. By James McDonald

There is no burden He could not carry for you.

Have a GREAT Tuesday!

Cheryl

~Balance In Life~

MARK 6:31 NIV ~ Then, because so many people were coming and going that they
did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with
me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."

Balance is a difficult thing to achieve.

Success usually requires discipline, a large commitment of
time, and a lot of hard work.

But sometimes what's needed is to take a vacation!

Taking a trip is not always necessary or permitted, but taking a break from
your normal routine is.

You need time to think, and time to listen to what God is
saying to you -- as well as physical rest. Without taking time
to "recharge your batteries" you will never be your best.

People who face relentless responsibilities, such as pastors,
mothers of young children, care givers, and owners of small
businesses, especially need an occasional break.

(Be creative. It doesn't have to be expensive.)

We want to lead productive lives and be fruitful in our walk
with the Lord, but we cannot take the place of God. We cannot
do everything. We are not God.

Burning out is not a good witness for the Lord, as it makes Him
look like a hard taskmaster.

Humans require rest. To continue to be healthy and productive
for many years, we must live a balanced life which includes
rest and taking time off.

Always keep the big picture in mind. That includes eternity.

Seeking Balance,

~I've Been Tagged~

Tracy over at My Cup Runneth Over tagged me yesterday for this Christmas meme!

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?

Hot Chocolate. I'm not sure if I've ever had Egg Nog, but I don't think I'm missing anything, except calories that I do not need.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?

Wrapped under the tree.

3. Colored light on house/tree or white?

I have 2 Christmas trees. A BIG one that I put colored lights on or a smaller tree that already has clear lights on the tree.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?

No.~ What for? :)

5. When do you put your decorations up?

IF I put decorations up it varies. Usually though the first part of December.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?

My Mom's dressing/gravy.

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child?

Spending with family at my Grandma McDaniel's house. Waking up at night asking if Santa had come.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?

If I remember correctly, Jan's best friend told her and she told me.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?

Christmas Eve is when our family began opening gifts years ago. When we were young, we opened on Christmas morning, or I think maybe sometimes during the night. I used to wake up before my Mom/Dad would have everything ready asking if Santa had come yet!

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?

I have dough ornaments that I have collected throughout the years, as well as ornaments that my Mom has given me that are old, so I guess maybe Hodge Podge.

11. Snow. Love it or dread it?
Love it. Especially because I don't have to drive on it much these days. I don't mind driving on the snow, except for the OTHER DRIVERS.

12. Can you ice skate?
On my feet or my hiney? Yes, the last time I had ice skates on I could make it around the floor, but not without falling. I do not find it particularly enjoyable.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
Chrissy doll was my favorite gift as a child. I guess I got it for Christmas, but not really sure.


I still have her. Actually, she's been stored in my parents attic until almost 2 years ago when my Mom MADE me take all my belongings that I had left at our house. Here is a picture of Chrissy. I just ran out in garage and took it. I must say she does have some bed head hair going on, but really what do you expect after ALL these years.



As an adult, I think my most meaningful/treasured gift was the albums my Mom made after my Dad passed of pictures of and such of her and my Dad, etc.

14. What is the most important think about the holidays for you?
Jesus' birth.

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert?

My Mom's homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Not sure. I have to think on this a bit.

17. What tops your Christmas tree?
Bow

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving?
GIVING. I would much rather give than receive.

19. What is your favorite Christmas song?
I don't have a favorite. But I like: O Holy Night, When Love Came Down, Merry Little Christmas, I'll be Home for Christmas, Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer....too many to pick just one!!

20. Candy Canes. Yum or Yuck?
Yum!

21. What do you want for Christmas?
Peace in our Family!

22. Do you attend an annual Christmas party.
I have at times.

23. Do you dress up for Christmas Eve or wear PJ's?
Usually wear jeans or corduroy pants. Sometimes will wear something Red.

24. Do you own a Santa hat?
No.

25. Who do you normally spend Christmas with?
Family.

Now I get to tag 5 people.

1. Laurie @ A Magnolia's Heartbeat

2. Christina @ All That Blog

3. Melanie @ The Fruits of the Spirit

4. Lea @ The Potting Shed

5. Stephanie @ My Sacrifice My Praise

Here are the rules:

1. post the rules on your blog.

2. Fill out the Questions.

3. Tag 5-7 people at the end of your post.

4. Pass on the tag.

Have a great day all!

Cheryl

~Friday Funnies~

The dog closed his eyes in concentration.

This fundamentalist Christian couple felt it important to own an
equally fundamentally Christian pet. So, they went shopping. At a
kennel specializing in this particular breed, they found a dog they liked quite a lot. When they asked the dog to fetch the Bible, he did it in a flash. When they instructed him to look up Psalm 23, he complied equally fast, using his paws with dexterity.
They were impressed, purchased the animal, and went home (piously, of course). That night they had friends over. They were so proud of their new fundamentalist dog and his major skills, they called the dog and showed off a little. The friends were impressed, and asked whether the dog was able to do any of the usual dog tricks, as well. This stopped the couple cold, as they hadn't thought about 'normal' tricks. "Well," they said, "let's try this out."
Once more they called out to the dog, and then clearly pronounced the command, "Heel!" Quick as a wink, the dog jumped up, put his paw on the man's forehead, closed his eyes in concentration, and bowed his head.

Why did Moses wander in the desert for 40 years?

Q: Why did Moses wander in the desert for 40 years?
A: Even then men wouldn't ask for directions!

Who will ask Jonah?

A little girl spoke to her teacher about whales.

The teacher said it was physically impossible for a whale to swallow a human because even though it is a very large mammal,
its throat is very small.

The little girl said, "But how can that be? Jonah was swallowed by a whale."

Irritated, the teacher reiterated that a whale could not swallow a
human. "It is physically impossible!" she said.

Undaunted, the little girl said, "Well, when I get to heaven I will ask Jonah."

To this, the teacher said, "What if Jonah went to hell?"

"Then you can ask him"

For more Friday Funnies see Kim at Homesteaders Heart

Have a GREAT FRIDAY!

Cheryl

~Word Filled Wednesday~

No matter what our circumstances, we can rest on the promise that God is our refuge and strength.

Jan is at MD Anderson doing her "well baby" checkup. No MRI this visit. She is having EKG, blood work and visit with endocrinologist. Please pray for good results, as well as safe travels.

Also, remember my cousins as they work on getting our uncle's affairs in order. They have quite a big task at hand, as well as caring for their mother.

Joyce Ryan passed away Saturday afternoon. Please pray for her family. Her cancer was quite wide spread in June. There will be a visitation Thursday from 6-8. I will be traveling Thursday afternoon to Texas for this and returning home sometime late in the evening. Please pray specifically for her family Thursday evening. And, safe travels.

We just got back home last night after making the quick trip to San Antonio. We had a good visit with family. In fact, so good that Mom is leaving Saturday morning to return to San Antonio as she had planned this trip to see her brother, as well as other family.

It is great comfort to know that no matter what our circumstances, we have a Father standing by our side.

Have a great Wednesday!

For more WFW, visit Amy at The 160 Acre Woods

Cheryl