Hope for Each Day

~RESULTS~

2010-05-12T20:43:00.002-05:00

I talked to earlier this same and again just now.

Jan's MRI showed a spot at the front of the brain that was what they called "fuzzy." It is where there has been dead tissue previously. The oncologist and Radiology physician both think this is NOT tumor, but that it is caused from the Avastin which is the treatment Jan is on.

The plan is for Jan to remain on the current dose of Avastin and return to MD Anderson in 6 weeks for more testing. The thoughts are that this spot will be gone or smaller at that time.

Please continue to pray for Jan and our family; that she is able to beat this nasty cancer.

They are back home now

Love to all!

~Saturated with Christ~

2010-03-30T17:01:00.002-05:00

Christ's working Himself into us is not a matter of behavior or self improvement. It is a matter of our being inwardly saturated with the Shekinah glory of God.

~HOPE~

2010-03-29T15:50:00.002-05:00

Hope is a belief in a positive outcome related to events and circumstances in one's life. Hope is the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.

In a religious context, it is not considered as a physical emotion but as a spiritual grace. Hope is distinct from positive thinking, which refers to a therapeutic or systematic process used in psychology for reversing pessimism. The term false hope refers to a hope based entirely around a fantasy or an extremely unlikely outcome.

Jan's Latest MRI Results

2010-02-10T11:09:00.000-06:00

God Answers Prayers!!!!!

No signs of cancer!! All Clear!!!!

Oncologist said that being on this treatment now for 6 months indicates that it is going to control the cancer. They are now starting to reduce her treatment and will continue to gradually reduce treatment to where she is only on a maintenance dose!!!!!

She will be starting PT since the Avastin has a tendency to make your body ache. Plus with the reduction in treatment this will also help.

She doesn't have to go back to MD Anderson now until May!!!!

PRAISE GOD!!!! HE HAS BEEN SO GOOD TO US!

Test Results~

2009-12-03T12:00:00.000-06:00

Jan, once again, got great results. All is still clear! We are thrilled, as you can only imagine, to hear this great news.

She will return in February to MD Anderson. If all is still clear, her treatment schedule will change in that she will get treatment every 3 weeks, instead of every 2 weeks.

Thanks for continuing to join up in praying for complete earthly healing!

Jan ~ Testing

2009-12-02T10:35:00.000-06:00

Jan is at MD Anderson. She did her testing last night and sees the oncologist today at 11:30. Please pray for great results!

It has been a long time...

2009-11-28T15:40:00.002-06:00

Haven't posted anything in quite some time. Life in general seems rather busy. Probably too busy. I seem to involve myself in too many things that I'm scrambling to keep up with them all. Thanksgiving was good. A lot to be thankful for.

Jan continues to do well, especially in light of the fact that she has been fighting this nasty cancer for 2 years on November 13, 2009. The treatment she is on now seems to be working well. Please pray for her. I know it isn't easy for her. She does handle it like a champ. But, the treatment is hard on her body. If I could have one wish granted today, it would be for her complete earthly healing.

Our family, really Jan's immediate family, has babies popping up everywhere. Soon there will be 4 baby/little girls. Don't get to see them much, but they are fun when I do.

Jan returns to MD Anderson this next week for testing. Please pray for great results.

Hope and pray you all had a great Thanksgiving.

Love,
Cheryl

Wednesday's Word

2009-09-02T10:35:00.002-05:00

~Thankful Thursday~

2009-07-29T21:26:00.005-05:00

You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done.

Psalm 92:4 NLT

For More Thankful Thursday, visit Lynn at Spiritually Unequal Marriage.

Have a "Thankful Thursday!

Cheryl

Update

2009-07-18T14:47:00.002-05:00

I guess I forgot to come back and put the information here about Jan's visit at MD Anderson this week. I posted for her on her blog and on FB, but forgot about here.

So, here is the GREAT NEWS:

I've talked to Jan and Mom a few times today. Jan had the staples taken out and was able to see the MRI which was done after surgery a couple of weeks ago. Clear. The tumors are gone. Jan said, "God is Great!"

They were also able to see her oncologist and get the newest treatment plan in the works. She will be on a "drip" chemo (Avastin) this time, but she will be able to do her treatment here in Oklahoma. She also gets somewhat of a break and only goes to MD Anderson every 2 months for testing. She will not start the new treatment for 2 more weeks so as to allow complete healing. She is feeling great.

Avastin has just recently been FDA approved in the treatment of GBM and is showing great results. Dr. Gilbert informed them of the side effects, which are around 5%.

Jan wanted me to relay that as far back as she can remember she has been praying for God to take the tumors away. She just never thought it would be through surgery.

Please join us in praising God for these great results.

It was awesome to hear the joy in Jan's voice when I talked to her after getting this report!

Have a great weekend!

Cheryl

~Prayer & Praise~

2009-07-12T22:20:00.002-05:00

Jan returns to MD Anderson this week to follow up with the surgeon and hopefully the pathology results will have returned and she can get started on the next phase. She is feeling really good, especially since she is not on treatment. She has done fantastic since her surgery. Thanks for all your prayers!

All I've done lately is making jewelry. I've started a new blog for the jewelry. I've been talking with a little boutique near my house. They are going to a weekend trade show (like in Canton, Texas), but this one is in McKinney, Texas this next weekend and they are taking my jewelry with other items in their boutique. They are working to get into Canton weekend trade show as well. I'm pretty excited, but cautious as well.

Have a great Monday!!

Cheryl

2009-07-08T16:07:00.004-05:00

A good friend sent the following to me last week after Jan's surgery. I've pulled some interesting parts out of it.

EXCELLENCE...

I have come to realize over the years that our minute might be long or short depending on what God is doing with us at the time. I have been in a moment where I was sure God stopped the universe for a reason that goes beyond anything my human mind could ever comprehend and when I look back on those moments I am reminded of the story of Joshua where God held up the sun to help Joshua claim a victory. I am sure it was an amazing miracle to observe for Joshua and a reminder that the God we serve has the power to hold up the sun and guide us to victory every single day of our life.

I believe that if God does that for one He will always do it for someone else don't you? I am referring to those moments where we may encounter someone who is experiencing a battle of some sort and it seems that God stops time just for us to help heal a heart or win the battle like Joshua. I believe we encounter moments like this all day long but we make a decision to give or walk away to be defeated or have victory. God continues to show that His will is always victorious if we will only be faithful and obedient to what He places on our hearts.

We will never understand the mysteries of God until we get to heaven but we can embrace those everyday moments where He is extending an invitation for us to experience His hand in an extraordinary way when we are willing to continue to serve others and fight for people and love.

I hope at this moment as you listen to my heart that you will truly open yours and ask yourself am I ready for an “extraordinary moment?”

Pretty powerful, huh? Wow. I am continually reminded that we serve a God of victory and He wants us to walk victoriously every single day of our life.

God works in mysterious ways but this is for sure… He brings people together for His purposes and whatever man may perceive as big or small it doesn't matter because when Gods hand is on something he will multiply it just like he did the loaf of bread. I am sure the little boy who gave Jesus his fish and bread could have never "imagined" the "extraordinary moment" when it was multiplied to feed thousands. We can never ignore the little things because that is when God does His greatest work. We can never despise our weakest moments because that is when God is always at His best in us. We don't have to know how God will multiply the bread we just have to know the HE can and HE will.

I hope you enjoyed this!

Cheryl

~God At Work~

2009-07-07T09:14:00.003-05:00

A week ago today Jan was having brain surgery. God has truly been at work. She is doing fantastic. So good for her body to have a chance to rebound with this time off treatment. She is in a good place with having all the visible cancer GONE! She has handled this all so gracefully. It is awesome to see God at work.

The pathology results should be back any day now. Jan will return to see the surgeon on July 15, next week, as well as her oncologist. Please join us in praying for her next treatment plan, as well as complete healing!!

~Happy Independence Day~

2009-07-04T11:27:00.002-05:00

Just a quick note, Jan is home. I saw her yesterday and she is doing great. I heard some funny funny stories of things she said the first day. I'll share one:

Soon after coming out of recovery, she motioned for Mom to come closer to her. She thanked Mom for going with them, for helping her out with meals, and all the things Mom has done for her and Gerald. Mom asked if she would have done the same if the roles were reversed. Mom said she thought for a minute and then said, "yes she would feed her dog food." Jan can be rather witty and it appears more so after she comes out of anesthesia.

We are so thankful God answered our prayers this week, as well as over the last 20 months.

Have a great 4th, and be careful!!

Cheryl

~News~

2009-07-02T10:09:00.004-05:00

It looks like Jan will be released from the hospital today. They will then have to travel from Houston to Oklahoma. Mom said she has done very well.

Please pray for safe travels and continue to pray for the next step and that she can beat this nasty disease.

Thanks again for all the prayers, comments, love, and friendship.

Have a safe and blessed weekend.

Cheryl

~New Day~

2009-07-01T08:47:00.004-05:00

Gerald just called and Jan had a very restful night. She had morphine for a headache about 7:00 last night, but since then she has only had Tylenol. She had a couple of episodes of getting sick from the anesthesia, but has had breakfast this morning.

The surgeon has just been in and said he got all of the tumor. He has looked at the MRI she had last night and it looks great. It is looking like she will come home Friday. She has called her boys this morning and talked to them, so I know they are thrilled.

The nursing staff is in with her now and they are going to take her catheter out, which will thrill her as she wanted it out yesterday.

Thank you all for all your prayers, comments, love and support.

~Out of Recovery~

2009-06-30T14:17:00.002-05:00

Jan has made it out of recovery. She is still a bit sleepy, but otherwise is doing great. She remembers everything and is able to retain the information she is given. Mom and Gerald have been able to visit with her and as Mom put it, "she is full of it."

Thank you for all your prayers, comments and love!

Cheryl

~Recovery Time~

2009-06-30T11:41:00.003-05:00

The surgeon just finished talking to Gerald and Mom. Jan is in recovery now. She is awake, but sleepy. She did really well during surgery and he removed all of the tumor. The tumor showed dead tissue, but also some activity, which is what the PET scan showed. It will be a few hours before she gets out of recovery. She will not be in ICU, but in a room but will have a nurse who is only caring for her. She should move to a regular room tomorrow and get to come home Friday or Saturday.

It is our understanding that there has always been some activity at this site. The surgeon said since there is activity, they will be changing her treatment. We will know more about what comes next either the end of this week or the first of next week.

Please continue to pray that she recovers well and no problems arise from this surgery. Pray also that the next treatment is one that is well tolerated.

Mom will update me again when she has news or when they get to see Jan.

Thanks for all your prayers and support.

~First Surgery Update~

2009-06-30T11:12:00.000-05:00

Received the first update about 10:45 from Mom.

Report is that surgery started at 8:47 this morning. The nurse reporting had gone by at 10:00. They had removed the main tumor and were getting ready to clean up the area and close. Apparently closing takes as long as opening.

Jan has done great. Quiet surgery and all has gone well.

They are sending the tumor off to pathology, but the surgeon believed that he would have a good idea if it was dead tissue or active.

Next update from nurse is at Noon, but she said doctor would be by before then.

Thank you all for joining us in prayer. I will post more as I am updated.

Cheryl

~Update~

2009-06-30T05:56:00.002-05:00

The surgery is to begin around 8:00 a.m. this morning. Jan had a great day yesterday. God answered prayers in a big way. She was not anxious at all. She had some additional testing, which included blood work and a MRI to map the exact location.

They also met with the surgeon again and they are very pleased with him. He explained everything what should occur; said her recovery will be easier and different than last time. She will not be in ICU, but will have a nurse who attends to just her. Tomorrow morning she should be able to go into a regular room and one person can stay with her all night tonight.

Jan was very upset when they saw him last week and he was very concerned and wanted to make sure that he didn't do anything that caused Jan being upset last week when she saw him.

Thank you for your prayers and I will continue to update as I have information.

~More Information~

2009-06-28T14:26:00.005-05:00

The surgery will be Tuesday morning. It will take four to six hours. This is the surgeon's first surgery of the day. Please pray for God to work through this surgeon, that he will have steady hands, and be rested for this surgery. Jan is very nervous about having the surgeon. She said that being able to come home this weekend has been calming for her.

MD Anderson is very strict in the patient's vistors. They are only allowed 4 visitors per patient, which should be no problem, since Mom and Gerald will be there. The surgeon told Jan she should have an easier time this time since she will not be in a coma and she will know beforehand that she has had surgery.

Pray for Gerald and Mom as well as they will be alone during this surgery and recovery time, and the trip home.

Pray that Jan has a quick recovery and that all goes as planned.

I will post when I have information. I sent out an email last night to many asking prayer for Jan. I have had a tremendous response. Thank you seems so small, but thank you for joining us to readily in continuing to walk this journey with us.

Praise the LORD, I tell myself; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, I tell myself, and never forget the good things he does for me."Psalm 103:1-2

Love and hugs!
Cheryl

~Grace~

2009-06-27T21:21:00.004-05:00

I Corinthians 1:3 ~ Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Tomorrow, Sunday, at Noon, Gerald, Jan & Mom leave to return to MD Anderson. Jan will have a scan Monday. The surgery is scheduled for some time Tuesday. I'll let you know the time when I find out.

Please pray especially for peace for Jan. This has been an extremely difficult decision, as we can only imagine. Secondly, please pray for dead tissue and great results all around.

The plan is for the surgery to be Tuesday and with no complications she will get out of the hospital on Friday and will be able to either fly or drive home.

I think the rest of our family will be here at home. For me, this is extremely difficult. I would rather be there.

I will update as I have news.

Thanks so much for all your prayers.

Cheryl

~Tentative Decisions~

2009-06-25T12:24:00.004-05:00

Since learning the news yesterday that the doctors at MD Anderson were recommending Jan move forward with surgery to determine whether the change in her MRI is dead tissue, she has been torn in what to do. At this time, after being armed with more information, I think she is leaning toward having the surgery.

She had the Doppler ultrasound of her legs/feet, but I have not heard what the results are yet.

Please pray for Jan as she moves forward. She has some concerns about problems caused by surgery. Pray that she is covered with an abundant of with the decision that she makes and for a successful surgery with not problems resulting from the surgery, as well as the findings to be DEAD TISSUE. Please pray that this is the answer to Jan's (and ours) prayer that the cancer be removed.

He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Isaiah 40:29 NLT

~Results, Plans and Prayers~

2009-06-24T15:43:00.008-05:00

Well..........let me see if I can explain the results correctly.

I'll start with what is absolutely good news. There are 2 areas. One is on top and this area is "cold," which means DEAD TISSUE. The other area, where she had surgery initially, shows dead tissue, but also shows some activity. It is unusual for the two to be different.

The oncologist believes they are both dead tissue, but to be safe, the only way to know for sure is for Jan to have surgery. Her oncologist had already hand picked a surgeon this morning and they saw him this afternoon. He said, right off the bat, that he would not do surgery, unless he absolutely believed it was necessary. I think if she chooses to have the surgery, they will go in to see what is there, remove what they can whether it is active or dead tissue.

It has been Jan's prayer that God take away the tumors/cancer. In saying that, she NEVER wanted to have surgery again. She is EXTREMELY upset. When she had her initial surgery she was in a light coma and didn't know she had surgery until it was over.

She is also having a ultrasound on her legs because her feet are swollen.

"The antidote to suffocating, stifling, stagnating fear is simple faith."

"If the Lord be with us, we have no cause of fear. His eye is upon us, His arm over us, His ear open to our prayer. His grace is sufficient, His promise unchangeable." Written by John Newton."

So don't worry, because I am with you. Don't be afraid, because I am your God. I will make you strong and will help you; I will support you with my right hand that saves you." Isaiah 41:10

"One of the greatest promises of God is that we don't have to face our fears alone. He is always with us; never will He forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

God will:
Help you in trouble ~ Psalms 46:1-2
Provide your needs and give you peace ~ Philippians 4:6-7
Eliminate fear ~ Leviticus 26:6
Give boldness ~ Proverbs 28:1

Since we truly experience His love, we can walk boldly, with a sense of confidence to God and let Him handle all the anxieties that trouble us.

Pray that Jan has a sense of peace and comfort. Pray that God gives her what she needs to make the decision in which direction she should take. Also pray especially that Jan, but also our family will remain steadfast in Faith and that we will not give in to Fear. Nothing can rob you of joy, confidence, optimism and opportunities more quickly than a spirit of fear.

"I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge --that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:17-19

If Jan chooses to have surgery, she will have to return to MD Anderson sometime Monday for pre-operative testing with the surgery being Tuesday.

I would be so grateful if you would join up in prayer, especially for peace and comfort for Jan.

Love,
Cheryl

PET Scan Scheduled

2009-06-23T09:02:00.003-05:00

Jan is having the PET Scan today at 1:00. I think she probably will see her oncologist tomorrow for the results. I would be honored if you would:

1. Pray for great results.

2. Please also pray especially for Jan. She feels like her faith is being tested and she is failing the test. We can't begin to imagine how hard this has been for Jan. I believe she has done an amazing job in every aspect of this journey. Please pray for her faith to be restored and for peace.

3. Pray that this time off chemo her body will rebound and she will be physically restored.

4. Pray for safe travels.

I'll post the results once we have them. Thanks so much.

~Prayer~

2009-06-17T11:09:00.002-05:00

Jan had her testing yesterday at MD Anderson. She saw her oncologist this morning after having to have her blood work redone.

Results are her white count is a little low, but otherwise blood work looked good.

MRI is a bit different. Dr. Gilber, her oncologist believes this is "dead tissue." But, to be sure they are working on scheduling a PET scan. This may take 1-2 days. Please pray first and foremost that this is nothing more than dead tissue, but also that they can get the PET scan scheduled and get great results, so they can return home.

Romans 8:28 (New Century Version)

28 We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him.[a] They are the people he called, because that was his plan.

Cheryl

~Word Filled Wednesday~

2009-06-10T09:20:00.003-05:00

Last Sunday we had a surprise birthday party for our Mom. We weren't sure we would be able to pull off the surprise, but we did. She didn't have a clue what we had been planning. We had a great turnout and tons of fun. I will post pictures soon.

Jan returns to MD Anderson next week, June 15-16. She will have extensive testing this time due to changes in the protocol for the clinical trial she is on. We would love to see great results. Please join us as we pray!

For More WFW, see http://the160acrewoods.com/.

Have a great Wednesday!

~Keeping Busy~

2009-06-04T11:48:00.019-05:00

Here are some of the necklaces I've made over the last few months. This first one is black agate beads with clear quartz and a sterling silver daisy pendant.

I'm not very good at taking pictures or the colors are not showing up accurately. The one above is pink turquoise wavy beads with small silver beads.

This is turquoise with a sterling silver flower pendant.

This is a black/rust agate with a black agate pendant.

Red coral graduated beads with sterling silver.

Dark green mother of pearl with 1 sterling silver bead off to the side.

Red handmade turquoise beads with mother of pearl off to the side and small copper beads.

Orange mother of pearl with 1 jade bead off to the side.

Black quartz beads with red carnelian and 1 small sterling silver heart to the side.

Brown mother of pearl with swarovski cream pearls.

Brown quartz beads with sterling silver.

Multi-color pearls with sterling silver pendant.

Pink mother of pearl with topaz swarovski bicones.

Small puff black agate square beads with copper daisy spacers.

Tigers Eye graduated beads. I think you may be able to enlarge to get a better look, if you like.

Have a great day.

Are You Moldable?

2009-05-28T09:11:00.001-05:00

"For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty"
1Corinthians 1:26-27

God doesn't want to use people who consider themselves good teachers, good leaders, good anything in the secular world. He will use foolish things to confound the wise. God wants to use meek, moldable people. He will equip those He has called with whatever skills are needed to perform a job.

If God calls you to be a teacher you may say, "I'm no good as a teacher." He doesn't want teaching skills; He wants your heart, or your love, or your sense of humor, or whatever gifts He has given you. He will equip you, or has already equipped you, for the job.

In God's world we are not teachers, we are "Life Changers." Two good examples of people called by God that felt inadequate for the tasks God gave them were Moses and Paul. They did have the choice to refuse the calling God laid upon their hearts, you know. Once you have knowledge about Jesus you have the responsibility to, "Go, ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15)

Your portion may be in your own church, or in your own neighborhood, or in your own home. When God "doinks" you on the head with a commission, don't ignore it or shrug it off. Go with it, let God equip you, and you will be blessed!!

Cheryl

Turn on the Light!

2009-05-26T13:11:00.002-05:00

"Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world."
Philippians 2:14-15

Murmur murmur murmur...gripe gripe gripe...complain complain complain. That sounds all too familiar. I am as guilty as the next person. When we see things that are not right (in our eyes) and there is nothing that we can do about it then we have a tendency to talk about them. If we get enough people to see it our way then maybe something can be done. Well, that sounds good, but it might also be described as, if we get people to agree with us it makes us feel better or more important. If it is a person we are complaining about then it certainly makes us look better than that person!

We are in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation and among crooked and perverse people. That is a fact. We must deal with non-Christians all the time. They are in stores, on the street, in our workplaces, in our schools, in our government, and even in our churches.

We are going to come up against criticism, anger, hatred, and much more. We have a big advantage over them. We do not have to deal with those things alone. We have the Holy Spirit within us that will help us to maintain love and peace in the midst of turmoil. There is one condition, however. We have to want it. We have to truly want it. Otherwise we will end up acting just like "them." (Murmur murmur murmur...gripe gripe gripe...complain complain complain.)

God intends for us to be a light in the midst of darkness. When people are falling apart around you and you maintain that love and peace then people will notice. It will be just like turning on a light in a dark room. They will see Him in you!

How do you get the strength to be able to resist the temptation of acting in the flesh? It doesn't come easily, but there are many benefits to be gained as you take that journey.

Have a blessed day!

Cheryl

Jesus Chose You

2009-05-21T13:39:00.005-05:00

"Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you."
John 15:16

Jesus was speaking here. Let's stop and think about the first part. He chose you. Why? Because He wanted to choose you. He chose to choose you. He willingly chose you. He had a choice and His choice was to choose you. Are you getting this?

OK, feel good? Now try this...He ordained you. He gave you authority to minister for Him. He entrusted you with authority. Wow!

The reason He ordained you was so that you would bring forth fruit. You are to bring a harvest for Him. A harvest of what? If you are given the gift of evangelism then you will bring in a harvest of souls. If you are given the gift of edifying the Body of Christ then you will bring in a harvest of strengthened Christians. There is no limit to the harvest that Jesus' ordained saints can bring! You have been equipped to be working shoulder to shoulder with the other saints!

Now for one of the perks...whatever you ask God for in Jesus' name you will receive. When you are walking in the path He has set for you then you will be blessed! Oh, this is definitely a good thing!

So many people don't want to commit their lives to God because they are afraid they will lose something. They feel they will lose control, they won't have as much fun, or whatever. God is not in the business of taking away! He wants to add to your life. He wants to add to your joy and peace. He will add to your pleasure. Every day will be better thanks to your relationship with Him.

How To Love Others

2009-05-18T14:14:00.001-05:00

Love is a feeling. Love is an attitude. Love is an action. Love is a choice.

Enlarge your understanding. Your definition of love may be too narrow. Love is more than a good feeling or romance.

You may say, "I love ice cream. I am in love with my companion. I love my family enough to labor every day to provide for them. I am compassionate toward hurting people, so I do my part to alleviate suffering and injustice in the world."

You do not need to agree with someone to act with consideration. You do not need to be attracted to someone to demonstrate a loving attitude.

Adjust the angle of your perspective. “It ain’t about you." Love motivates people to sacrifice for others, not expecting any personal benefit. Stop thinking selfishly. Look for the needs of others, and then do your part to meet their needs.

Locate the source of love. You may love something because it is a source of pleasure. You may feel devotion to someone because you enjoy his or her company. Sympathy and compassion are foundations of love toward those living in difficult circumstances. Empathy is a starting place for love, as you identify the value of other citizens of this planet. Love may start as an expression of personal gratitude for the blessings you have received and your desire to share those blessings. Faith and spiritual devotion are powerful sources of selfless love.

Express your love. Find words and actions of love that are appropriate. Learn to speak words of blessing rather than criticism. Share your resources with a needy person. Participate in your community of faith. Offer gifts and perform thoughtful deeds with no ulterior motivation.

Accept disappointment. Not everyone will return your love. This is not failure. It is not your goal to make the world love you, but for you to love the world.

Go forth and love others

Cheryl

~Word Filled Wednesday~

2009-05-13T08:48:00.006-05:00

1 Corinthians 13:13 ~ And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

For More WFW, see Amy Deanne @ The 160 Acre Woods
Have a blessed Wednesday!

Cheryl

~The Price of True Happiness~

2009-05-12T11:22:00.002-05:00

Devotion By Dr. James MacDonald

We live in a culture that is selfish and self-absorbed maybe like no other culture in human history. A few years ago Barron’s Magazine ran an article entitled “We Have Too Much.” It talked about how more and more Americans want things that make them feel good—cruises, makeovers, golf lessons, etc. Recreational spending jumped 30% from 1993 to 1998, while the luxury segment of the economy rose 21% in 1996 alone. In short, people are spending a lot of money giving themselves grins.

Yet all of this material abundance has not resulted in an abundance of happiness. The January 1998 issue of Entrepreneur carried an article by a historian from UCLA, who wrote, “Although the gross domestic per capita product in the United States has more than doubled in the past fifty years, there has been absolutely no improvement in the percentage of happy people. The more we have, the more we want. The evidence shows that this is what the world thinks.”

Is this what you think? Do you think that showering yourself with luxuries will make you a happier and more fulfilled person? It won’t. You’ll end up glutted on goods just like everyone else. If you want to be really happy, if you want to experience true satisfaction in your life, then there is only one thing you can do: die to self and live for God.

Jesus taught about this in John 12:24-25, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal.” Jesus gives a little gardening lesson here to teach a profound truth: a plant doesn’t grow unless a seed dies first. And we don’t produce godly fruit in our lives unless we die to own goals, dreams, desires and ambitions.

It is a sad thing, but many people who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ have not gotten very far on this matter of death to self. A world famous missionary who had scores of dedicated men and women passing through her mission said in one of her books, “Oh, the tragedy of it. More sad than seeing the heathen bowing down to their idols is the sight of Christian missionaries who have sacrificed so much: their country, their worldly goods, their homes, their loved ones—but have never given themselves to God.”

So let me ask you the question that the text forces us to ask ourselves: Do you love your life? Do you love your dreams for tomorrow? Do you love your plans for your own financial security? Do you love your little house and your car and your vacation plans? Do you love those things? Because the Scripture says if you love your life, you’re losing it! It is slipping away, bit by bit, like sand through an hourglass. You say, “Well how can I find my life?” Let it go. Lay it down. Spend yourself in fervent commitment to Christ, and then you will find your life.

One time I was preaching at a Bible conference. There was this sweet old woman sitting up front with two of her friends. They were talking kind of loud, and I could hear the one lady say to her friends, “Oh, I just love him!.” It would get me so fired up to preach. Then I learned that she was the wife of Howard Sugden, a wonderful pastor whom I had heard preach many times when I was younger. In fact, he had been my mom’s pastor before I was born, and had led her to Christ.

Mrs. Sugden was a widow now and in her nineties. For over fifty years she had been a Sunday school teacher in the same church. Yet, she listened all week and took notes. It was so humbling for me, because she should have been the teacher. When I told her the story about how her husband had led my mom to Christ, tears welled up in her eyes and started rolling down her cheeks. It was obvious how much she loved the Lord. There was a lady who has lost her life and found it.

I am calling upon you as a follower of Jesus Christ to give Him your all. Stop looking for things to give you that sense of happiness and satisfaction for which you long. It is only when you give up the search and turn it all over to Him that you find what you were looking for along. Dying to self can be a scary thought, but it’s the price of true happiness.

~How Time Flies~

2009-05-05T12:02:00.003-05:00

I've attempted several times in the last 2 weeks to post, but something always seemed to side track me.

Not much going on. Work is good. I've adjusted rather well. The type of law is interesting, as our some of the people in the firm.

I've made and sold some jewelry, which has been fun. I've taken pictures of some and will post them soon. I have several more pieces to make in the next few days for Mother's Day gifts, as well as for my own mother.

Have a great day!

~Healer~By James McDonald

2009-04-24T11:00:00.007-05:00

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” Luke 4:18

Only a couple times in Scripture do we learn what Jesus is like from Jesus Himself. One day early in His ministry, Luke 4:18 tells us that Jesus passed through Nazareth, His hometown, “and as was His custom, He went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and He stood up to read.” On the Scripture schedule that day was Isaiah 61:1-3. After He read it, He sat down saying, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” In other words, Did you recognize Me? Isaiah is talking about My ministry!

In one sentence the Lord describes His mission as “to help those who hurt.” He has set His heart on three kinds of people:

“To bring good news to the afflicted;
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners.”

The first people Jesus helps are the afflicted. He brings good news to those who are poor in spirit, those who are willing to admit that they’re broken. You cannot have what Christ offers unless you admit your need—not just for salvation, but for sustaining grace and abiding faith. Just because we’ve been to the cross doesn’t mean we don’t need to lean hard on the Lord. When we do, we receive grace in even greater measure.

The next group Jesus tells us He runs to heal are the brokenhearted. That word describes people who have been hammered by a devastating blow. Perhaps a difficult circumstance has deeply wounded you. Is there a profound sadness over your life because of a tragedy in your past? Christ came to bind up your heart like a doctor tends a broken leg. He brings comfort to a place beyond your ability to soothe.

Finally, Jesus sets the captives free. Do you know firsthand the frustration and defeat of slavery to sin? Despite your best effort, do you wonder if a certain sin will ever be gone from your life? What you need is the freedom Jesus brings when He breaks that sin cycle. That is what He came into this world to do.

When Jesus described His ministry, He called Himself “the Healer.” Have you experienced this tender ministry from God’s hand? Has Christ healed hurts from your past? Have you seen Him take a formerly consuming pain and melt it away? I know thousands of people who have experienced physical, emotional, and spiritual restoration in places they thought never could heal. That’s something only God could do. I’ve experienced that; have you?

Is your heart open to the Lord’s healing? Have you exhausted your own resources? If you’re ready for the Great Physician’s healing hand, you only need to ask. Then look over your shoulder and see Him running your way. His mission is to help those who hurt.

There have been many times in the last 17 months where we have waited for God to show us great things. Don't get me wrong because we have been thrilled to hear the word, "stable." There has only been 1 time where there has been a small amount of growth, which is amazing, but I have to tell you to hear Jan's results from this latest MRI as the tumor being "lighter" and "smaller" is impossible to describe. It gives me even more HOPE that she will beat this nasty cancer.

Please continue to pray for continued results like we saw this week!

Love,
Cheryl

It's That Time AGAIN

2009-04-22T13:45:00.002-05:00

While we love to hear the results STABLE, we love even more hearing results, "LIGHTER." So, it appears the treatment is working even better as the tumor is less visible.

Psalm 106 ~ 1 Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Psalm 135 ~ 1 Praise the LORD. Praise the name of the LORD; praise him, you servants of the LORD.

Thank you so very much for joining us in prayer. Please join us as we PRAISE GOD for these fabulous results.

Cheryl

~Prayer~

2009-04-20T08:40:00.002-05:00

Jan and Gerald leave this afternoon to head back to MD Anderson. They will drive part of the way today and then finish tomorrow. She has her MRI at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday evening and her appt with her oncologist is at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

Please join us as we continue to approach the throne of God pleading for victory over this cancer. I know Jan really would love to see considerable decrease in the tumor size. I'm right there with her. While stable is glorious, we would love to see the treatment working in getting rid of the cancer, so she can come off treatment.

Philippians 4:6-7 - Don't worry over anything whatever; tell God every detail of your needs in earnest and thankful prayer, and the peace of God which transcends human understanding, will keep constant guard over your hearts and minds as they rest in Christ Jesus.

Thank you for joining us in prayer!

Love,
Cheryl

God You Reign - Lincoln Brewster

2009-04-17T12:38:00.000-05:00

~You've Got Talent~

2009-04-16T10:35:00.002-05:00

As many of you may have heard on your local news over the last few days about Britain's new talent. I think this is a great reminder to not judge a book by its cover.

I am unable to put the actual YouTube performance here, but I can add the link. Please listen to this. She is wonderful, and she is reported to be a little slow and has been made fun of all her life. She has taken care of her mother until her mother passed a year or so ago. Her mother made her promise to pursue a singing career.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

I hope you enjoy this!

Blessings!

Cheryl

~Word Filled Wednesday~

2009-04-15T06:26:00.003-05:00

For More WFW, see http://the160acrewoods.com.

Have a great Wednesday!

~Caution~

2009-04-13T09:36:00.000-05:00

Philippians 2:2-11

2009-04-10T09:22:00.003-05:00

Philippians 2

2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Oklahoma and Texas have been hit hard in the last 24 hours with fires. There have been no lives lost in Oklahoma, but there have been in Texas. We have had hurricane-like winds. Please pray for those who have been personally affected by these fires.

Happy "Good Friday!"

Love,
Cheryl

~Word Filled Wednesday~ Isaiah 40:31

2009-04-07T23:39:00.003-05:00

For More Word Filled Wednesday, see Amy @ The 160 Acre Woods

As this Sunday is Easter, there will be MANY in church who are not normally there. Please join me in praying that all hearts will be receptive to the message being presented them on this day.

Much love,

Cheryl

~Second Week~

2009-04-05T21:37:00.003-05:00

Here it is Sunday evening. Where did the weekend go? Last week went by quickly. It has not been difficult getting back into the routine of going to work in an office away from home. Even Mr. Ripley seems to be adjusting. He is so happy when I get home each day. The attorney is very nice and easy to work with so far.

I talked with Jan this evening. She is feeling good. She sounds good. We had a great visit.

The last week the weather has been crazy. One day it has been warm and the next day COLD! We are expected to have temperature of 20 degrees Tuesday morning. One day we dress for spring. The next for winter.

I hope to get back into blogging regularly soon.

Thanks for all your support.

Cheryl

~Challenging~

2009-04-01T11:14:00.002-05:00

The last few days have been challenging. I'm questioning whether my brain has worked in the last 8+ years, or if it just has not worked in this area. Each new tasks brings questions popping up about trying to remember how to do things. I hope I don't have that "deer in the headlights" look on my face when I'm asked to do something.

I had lunch with a good friend that I used to work with on Tuesday. She still works at the law firm where I was previously. However, she is able to work at home and comes to the office about 1 day a week. Apparently her version of how things are at this firm is TOTALLY different than the other version I got. I didn't feel that going back to work where I had been previously was going to be a good fit for me. This is another confirmation in my decision.

I'm very pleased with where I am. I'm adjusting well to getting out of the house when I need to. Ripley seems to be doing okay. I could see a little difference in him yesterday when I got home, but he will adjust. Millions of little doggies stay at home. He has had several invitations to visit friends while I'm working.

Well, gotta run. My few minutes are up. Thanks for all your support!

Proverbs 1:5
let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance-

Cheryl

~First Day~

2009-03-30T21:47:00.002-05:00

Today went well. There was a bit this morning that I was a bit overwhelmed and wondering what I was doing there. There may be more times like this while I'm adjusting and trying to remember things that I haven't really thought of in quite some time. This was brief and the remainder of the day was good.

The attorney I am working for, seems very nice and easy to work with.

And, I got plenty of exercise. That is a good thing!

Proverbs 3:5-6 ~ Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

~Friday Funnies ~ Saturday

2009-03-27T23:18:00.003-05:00

A man was sitting on the edge of the bed, observing his wife, looking at herself in the mirror. Since her birthday was not far off he asked what she'd like to have for her Birthday.

"I'd like to be six again", she replied, still looking in the mirror.

On the morning of her Birthday, he arose early, made her a nice big bowl of Lucky Charms, and then took her to Six Flags theme park.

What a day! He put her on every ride in the park; the Death Slide, the Wall of Fear, the Screaming Monster Roller Coaster, everything there was. Five hours later they staggered out of the theme park.

Her head was reeling and her stomach felt upside down. He then took her to a McDonald's where he ordered her a Happy Meal with extra fries and a chocolate shake. Then it was off to a movie, popcorn, a soda pop, and her favorite candy , M&M's.

What a fabulous adventure! Finally she wobbled home with her husband and collapsed into bed exhausted. He leaned over his wife with a big smile and lovingly asked, "Well Dear, what was it like being six again??"

Her eyes slowly opened and her expression suddenly changed. "I meant my dress size, you dummy!"

For more laughs, see Kim @ Homesteaders Heart

We are supposed to be going to the lake tomorow. I say supposed because we are also supposed to be getting a portion of this snowstorm. Mom sold the lake property and we are going to go down to finish loading/packing/cleaning tomorrow. Please pray for safe travels and also as we finish this chapter of our family's life.

A New Chapter in My Life....

2009-03-27T12:05:00.005-05:00

In April of 1984 (when I was only 5) I started a job at a law firm, first as a legal secretary and then moving to paralegal. For the longest time I thought that is where I probably would retire one day. Somewhere along the way things changed. The firm wasn't what it had been when I first started, and I was working for an attorney that was less than pleasant.

(Looking back now, I grew up in this law firm. I have a ton of memories, some good, some not so good. I still have many friends that I worked with there.) Time has a way of healing.

I became interested in medical transcription, took a medical terminology course. Then after some time worked for about 9 months part-time in the evenings for a mom/pop medical transcription company. It so happened that I was able to land a job working for a radiology group as an outside transcriptionist. Because I wanted to be sure this would work before quitting a job where I had invested more than 15 years, I worked 1 year part-time at the law firm while also doing transcription. At the end of December of 2000, I happily left a job of more than 16 years to work at home. Never to return to the legal field, or so I thought.

I worked for the Radiology Group for 2-3 years, until they closed their freestanding office. I then happened upon a growing neurology group. In July of 2008, (as most of you know), I left this neurology group because the doctor I had chosen to work for became impossible to work with.

At the end of July of 2008, I took a job with an online transcription company. It has been an experience. For 8 months, I have worked my tail off just to survive. I have never known how emotionally difficult and draining it is when you simply do not make enough money to pay bills.

After leaving the legal field, I never had the desire to return. But, after much prayer, this changed. Two weeks ago today, I felt it was time to change my circumstances, if at all possible.

I'm thrilled to share with you that on Monday, March 30, 2009, I will be starting a "new chapter in my life."

After 3 interviews (with this firm alone), I got a job as a paralegal. I'm excited to be making this move. I think I've found a good firm. The coworkers I have met, seem nice. Well, it just feels good all around....

Thank you for your continued support and prayers.

Cheryl

~Friday Funnies~

2009-03-26T18:44:00.004-05:00

Lawyers Girl

Once, there was a lawyer. This lawyer had a wife and a little girl who he loved. He made a good living and pretty satisfied with life.

He was surprised when his daughter began avoiding him one day. Goodnight kisses stopped. Hug were few and far between. She never sat on her father's lap and practically refused to listen to bedtime stories from him.

The lawyer began to get more than a little frustrated with this behavior and decided to talk to his daughter about it. He brought it up with her.

She wouldn't talk to her father and so she wrote a note to be given to him via her mother.

When the lawyer read the note, he was a bit shocked. This is what it read:

"Mindy's dadee sayz that lawyers suk the blood ouwt of aneeone thay come close to. i dont want yu to suk mi blod, so dont come clos to me pleas. thank yu. sophie."

For more laughs, see Kim @ Homesteaders Heart

I don't know anything yet about my interview, actually my 3rd interview with this one law firm. My thoughts on this interview process with this firm is, like the old saying, "fish or cut bait."

Tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. CST I have an interview with a different firm. I think, just maybe, in the last 2 weeks, I've had more interviews than the rest of my working days. Probably not, but I'm getting up there.

Thanks for your continued support and mostly for the prayers.

Have a great Friday!

Cheryl

~More Interviews!~

2009-03-25T19:53:00.003-05:00

Hey Friends,

I thought the way things were progressing last week, I would know something by now. Not so! I have my 3rd interview with one of the firms at 1:00 Thursday. As well, as a 1st interview at 9:00 a.m. Friday morning with another firm.

I still have a lot to pray and think about. Please join me as I pray about this.

FYI~ Jan had her "well-baby" check today at MD Anderson. Everything still going great and she is feeling good. She will return in 4 weeks for her MRI.

Thanks much!

Cheryl

Jobs

2009-03-20T18:20:00.004-05:00

As mentioned earlier, I had an interview Thursday as a legal assistant. Went well. It was a different type of law than what I have done in the past. As I pondered this last night, there were some questions I still had. This morning they called the placement service wanting to make an offer.

Shortly afterwards another firm that my resume had been sent to, asked for an interview. This interview was with a firm that practices the same type of law, which I am accustomed to. The interview went very well and in fact the office manager also knows my sister, Donna, so this was beneficial for me. I wasn't able to meet with the attorney, as he was out today, but the office manager is recommending me for this job.

When in the legal field before, I had worked downtown. I haven't been downtown much in the last 8 years. It felt so good to be back downtown today. I went by and saw some old friends from where I worked before.

I have a lot to pray and think about this weekend. There are 3 potential jobs. I've been offered 2 and recommended, but nothing firm about 1. The job I am being recommended for, is the job I am most interested in.

Please join me as I pray about this.

Cheryl

~Hint and Answer~ More Interviews

2009-03-20T11:50:00.002-05:00

I'm going to go ahead with the Hint and the answer to the below Friday Funnies:

HINT
The title is a clue, and the last three letters in the quote are different.

ANSWER
To decipher: put a space after every 2 letters. Except for the last three letters. Leave them be: olts - ol ts. nia - nia. Then, switch the two (or three) letters around: ol ts - lo st. Nia - ain. Repeat for the next letters: lo st ti me is ne ve rf ou nd ag ain. Put them together, minus spaces: losttimeisneverfoundagain. Then, look at the title: 4, 4, 2, 5, 5, 5, 8, 8... they represent letters before a space: lost time is never found again. Use this rule (this time, all letters are the same) for the last part.

It now should read:
Lost time is never found again.

-Benjamin Franklin.

The attorney from my interview on Thursday would like to offer me a job. I potentially have another interview with him today because I have some more questions. They do have some good perks such as getting off at 2:30 each Friday, but it is a little longer commute.

But, I have another job interview at 1:15 CST with another firm that I am more familiar with, closer to home. This is the type of area I have worked in before.

Thanks for your prayers!

Cheryl

~Friday Funnies~

2009-03-19T20:52:00.003-05:00

This is a quote by a very famous person. Can you decipher it? I won't include capitals in the cipher.

"oltsitemsienevfruodngania."

-ebjnmanirfnalkni

I'll give you a hint Friday at Noon, and then the answer at 6:00.

For more laughs, see Kim @ Homesteaders Heart

I had a job interview today. More details later.

Happy Friday!
Cheryl

~Word Filled Wednesday~

2009-03-17T22:01:00.002-05:00

For more WFW, please go to The 160 Acre Woods I haven't posted much lately. For a brief update, I'm still working, but looking for a new job. I'm considering returning to the legal field, where I worked for quite some time. I had an offer today to return to the law firm I worked for many years, but I don't feel that is the right move. I may consider doing some temporary work there while I'm looking for the right fit.Also, Janet is doing great. She is feeling really good. It is thrilling that she is doing great. Our pray is that her treatment is effective in killing the cancer. Have a blessed Wednesday~ Cheryl

~Update~

2009-03-16T23:03:00.003-05:00

Today I met with a local placement agency today, as well as did some testing. I did fine on my testing part. Before working in the medical field, I worked in the legal field for a lot of years. Never thought I would contemplate going back in the legal field, but I guess God has a way of changing our minds/hearts/desires.

With this agency, there are several law firms looking for a legal assistant in the area where I have experience. My Resume has been sent out. Before leaving my interview, one of the firms had called about getting an interview set up. I was familiar with one of the firms.

I had hoped that the job I took last July would work out. I've given my best, but it is am going nowhere.

Please join me as I continue looking for a job.

I then went and spent the afternoon with Jan. We had a good time just visiting. I took my beads and supplies and she made some necklaces. I'll have to get her to take pictures.

Thanks for all!

Cheryl

~Decisions, Change, and Prayer~

2009-03-15T21:05:00.002-05:00

Where to start...except maybe to dive right in. Last August, I started a new job. Well, it just is not working out. So, after a lot of prayer and decisions, I'm looking for a new job.

I have a interview with an agency first thing Monday morning. Please pray that for this job search to be a smooth successful process.

Have a blessed week!

Brain Teaser ~ Answer

2009-03-10T21:23:00.001-05:00

Here is the Answers to the 2nd Brain Teaser.

1. I have in my hand two U.S. coins which total 55 cents in value. One coin is not a nickel. Please bear this in mind. What are the coins?
ANSWER: A 50 cent piece and a nickel

2. A farmer had 17 sheep. All but 9 died. How many did he have left?
ANSWER: 9

3. Two men play checkers. They play five games and each man wins five games. There were no ties. How can this be?
ANSWER: They played other people

4. Take two apples from three apples and what do you have?
ANSWER: 2 Apples

5. An archeologist claimed he found some gold coins dated 46 BC. Do you think he really found the coins?
ANSWER: No, because Christ wasn't born when the coins were made

6. A woman gives a beggar 50 cents. The woman is the beggar's sister, but the beggar is not the woman's brother. How come?
ANSWER: The beggar is a woman

7. How many animals of each species did Moses take aboard the ark?
ANSWER: None; Noah took them on the ark

8. Is it legal in Tennessee for a man to marry his widow's sister?
ANSWER: No, you can't marry a dead person

9. What word is mispelled in this test?
ANSWER: Misspelled

Have a great Wednesday!

Brain Teaser ~ Answer

2009-03-09T22:06:00.003-05:00

The answer to the brain teaser I posted on Saturday is.........A Cow. I couldn't tell at first, but now every time I look at it, I can see it plain as day. Laurie Ann guessed it. How in the world. I'll have to see if she has come across this before.

Well, here are some more. Isn't it great to use your brain....

More Fun Brain Teasers Below, Good Luck!

1. I have in my hand two U.S. coins which total 55 cents in value. One coin is not a nickel. Please bear this in mind. What are the coins?

2. A farmer had 17 sheep. All but 9 died. How many did he have left?

3. Two men play checkers. They play five games and each man wins five games. There are no ties. How can this be?

4. Take two apples from three apples and what do you have?

5. An archeologist claimed he found some gold coins dated 46 BC. Do you think he really found the coins?

6. A woman gives a beggar 50 cents. The woman is the beggar's sister, but the beggar is not the woman's brother. How come?

7. How many animals of each species did Moses take aboard the ark?

8. Is it legal in Tennessee for a man to marry his widow's sister?

9. What word is mispelled in this test?

I will post the answers Tuesday evening. Have fun!

Cheryl

I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS BRAIN TEASER.

Brain Teaser

2009-03-07T15:17:00.002-06:00

Can you tell what the above picture is?

~Friday Funnies~

2009-02-26T22:05:00.005-06:00

The "illusion" is that this is just a picture of coffee beans; but it is not. Can you find a man's face among the beans? Some say that if you find the man in 3 seconds or less, the right half of your brain may be more well developed than most
This is NOT a Trick

For more laughs, see Kim @ Homesteaders Heart

Have a great weekend!

Cheryl

~Word Filled Wednesday~

2009-02-25T01:12:00.007-06:00

It has felt like spring here the last few days.

Have a great Wednesday! For more WFW, see Amy at The 160 Acre Woods

Here is the latest necklace. I really like it. The pendant is silver with garnet in the middle.

Rejoice~

Cheryl

~Faith~

2009-02-18T12:27:00.002-06:00

Classics: Streams in the Desert
Faith Becomes Sight by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman.

"Have faith that whatever you ask for in prayer is already granted you, and you will find that it will be" (Mark 11:24).

When my little son was about ten years of age, his grandmother promised him a stamp album for Christmas. Christmas came, but no stamp album, and no word from grandmother. The matter, however, was not mentioned; but when his playmates came to see his Christmas presents, I was astonished, after he had named over this and that as gifts received, to hear him add,

"And a stamp album from grandmother."

I had heard it several times, when I called him to me, and said, "But, Georgie, you did not get an album from your grandmother. Why do you say so?"

There was a wondering look on his face, as if he thought it strange that I should ask such a question, and he replied, "Well, mamma, grandma said, so it is the same as." I could not say a word to check his faith.

A month went by, and nothing was heard from the album. Finally, one day, I said, to test his faith, and really wondering in my heart why the album had not been sent,

"Well, Georgie, I think grandma has forgotten her promise."

"Oh, no, mamma," he quickly and firmly said, "she hasn't."

I watched the dear, trusting face, which, for a while, looked very sober, as if debating the possibilities I had suggested. Finally a bright light passed over it, and he said,

"Mamma, do you think it would do any good if I should write to her thanking her for the album?"

"I do not know," I said, "but you might try it."

A rich spiritual truth began to dawn upon me. In a few minutes a letter was prepared and committed to the mail, and he went off whistling his confidence in his grandma. In just a short time a letter came, saying:

"My dear Georgie: I have not forgotten my promise to you, of an album. I tried to get such a book as you desired, but could not get the sort you wanted; so I sent on to New York. It did not get here till after Christmas, and it was still not right, so I sent for another, and as it has not come as yet, I send you three dollars to get one in Chicago. Your loving grandma."

"As he read the letter, his face was the face of a victor. "Now, mamma, didn't I tell you?" came from the depths of a heart that never doubted, that, "against hope, believed in hope" that the stamp album would come. While he was trusting, grandma was working, and in due season faith became sight.

It is so human to want sight when we step out on the promises of God, but our Savior said to Thomas, and to the long roll of doubters who have ever since followed him: "Blessed are they who have not seen, and yet have believed." --Mrs. Rounds

Results of Jan's testing~ Everything is still the same. Thank you for standing beside us and praying !

Cheryl

~Prayer~

2009-02-17T13:09:00.003-06:00

Jan is on her way back to MD Anderson for her monthly testing. She will be having an MRI tonight and seeing her oncologist in the morning. Please join us as we pray for good results and safe travels.

James 5:14-15 we are told: "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15) And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven." and in

James 5:16 we are asked to "confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." and then told that "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

In Mark 11:23-25 Jesus further instructs to forgive when we pray "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, `Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24) Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25) And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."

Only someone facing or sharing a serious sickness, pain or tragedy knows how hard it is. They know how hard it is to cope with the fear and uncertainty. They know how absurd it sounds when someone first tells them to "keep a positive attitude". They know how terrifying it is when the doubt comes. They know how hard it is to throw a mountain into the sea. But remember what Jesus told us in Matthew 17:19-20 when he said "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, `Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Faith as small as a mustard seed sounds a little like hope to me, and that's a good start.

Many Thanks!

Cheryl

~Blog Give Away ~ Winners~

2009-02-16T15:01:00.008-06:00

I've decided since only a few commented on the blog give away, that each person will get a piece of jewelry of their choice.

Included in this are:

Tracy @ My Cup Runneth Over

Laurie Ann @ A Magnolia's Heartbeats

Denise @ Shortybears Place

Kim @ Homesteaders Heart

Jennifer @ Through the Storms of Life

Okay, gals you can choose one of the following, or a necklace or earrings, or bracelet of colors of your choosing! Please email me with your thoughts! I hope you all enjoy!

This first shows a necklace or earrings made out of onyx and bone, with pendant.

This 2nd is a bracelet of miscellaneous stones. It goes with a multitude of things.

This 3nd one is a necklace, similar to the bracelet above with various stones.

This 4rd piece is a necklace made out of Ocean Jasper.

The 5th one is a long necklace. Made of pearls and sead beeds.

Here is the necklace I listed with the give away. It has turquoise, red and black fossil beads.

Look forward to hearing from you soon on your choices!

Hope each and every one enjoys what they receive!

Love,

Cheryl

~Friday Funnies~

2009-02-12T20:59:00.003-06:00

I'd stop eating chocolate, but Im NO quiter!

I’m not fat. I’m just FLUFFY!

How to be Annoying

* Adjust the tint on your TV so that all the people are green, and insist to others that you "like it that way."

* Drum on every available surface.

* Sing the Batman theme constantly.

* Staple papers in the middle of the page.

* Ask 1-800 operators for their home phone number. If they don’t give it to you ask why they are calling YOU at home.

* Sew department store anti-theft detector strips into people's backpacks.

* Write the surprise ending to a novel on its first page.

* Set alarms for random times.

* Honk and wave to strangers.

* Dress only in clothes colored Hunter's Orange.

* Change channels five minutes before the end of every show.

* Tape pieces of "Sweating to the Oldies" over climactic parts of rental movies.

* Decline to be seated at a restaurant, and simply eat their complementary mints by the cash register.

* ONLY TYPE IN UPPERCASE.

* Pay for your dinner with pennies.

* Repeat everything someone says, as a question.

* Wander around the restaurant, asking other diners for their parsley.

* Push all the flat Lego pieces together tightly.

* At the laundry mat, use one dryer for each of your socks.

* As much as possible, skip rather than walk.

* Stand over someone's shoulder, mumbling, as they read.

* Leave your turn signal on for fifty miles.

* Pretend your mouse is a CB radio, and talk to it.

* Name your dog "Dog."

* Ask people what gender they are.

* Reply to everything someone says with "That's what YOU think."

* Lick the filling out of all the Oreos, and place the cookie parts back in the tray.

* Forget the punch line to a long joke, but assure the listener it was a "real hoot".

* Follow a few paces behind someone, spraying everything they touch with a can of Lysol.

* While making presentations, occasionally bob your head like a parakeet.

* Make beeping noises when a large person backs up.

* Leave your Christmas lights up and lit until September.

* Sit in your front yard pointing a hair dryer at passing cars to see if they slow down.

* Mow your lawn with scissors.

* At a golf tournament, chant "swing-batatatatatata-suhWING-batter!"

* Do not add any inflection to the end of your sentences, producing awkward silences with the impression that you'll be saying more any moment.

* Never make eye contact.

* Shout random numbers while someone is counting.

* Make appointments for the 31st of November.

* Send fifty copies of this list to everyone you know.

Now, if you are interested in the chance at winning some jewelry, see the post below!

For more Friday Funnies, see Kim @ Homesteaders Heart

Have a great weekend!

Cheryl

~A Treat from Me to You~Blog Give Away~

2009-02-12T19:03:00.006-06:00

You see in the picture above some beads. They are turquoise heishi beads, red fossil beads, and black Agate beads.

I added some silver daisy spacers and seed beads. I'm waiting to see who wins the necklace to see if they would prefer a shorter/longer necklace.

If the winner of the give away is not a necklace kind of person, we can visit and see what their preference is.

Just thought it would be kinda fun to give something fun to someone for Valentine's Day!

So, if you are interested in some jewelry, leave a comment here. Since, Valentine's Day is quickly approaching, I am going to hold this open until Monday, February 16 at 9:30 a.m. CST.

So, let the fun times begin. I'm not going to make you do anything, but leave a comment.

Have a great weekend!

Cheryl

~Thankful Thursday~1 Corinthians

2009-02-11T20:27:00.003-06:00

Even though there is so much uncertainty around, I am thankful for each new day!

For more Thankful Thursday, see Grace Alone

Have a "thankful day."

Cheryl

~Word Filled Wednesday~ Isaiah 40:8

2009-02-11T00:00:00.001-06:00

For more WFW, See Amy @ The 160 Acre Woods

We made it through all our storms today without being in the big middle of the tornadoes. So, very thankful for this!

Happy WFW!

Cheryl

~Expect The Unexpected~

2009-02-10T15:59:00.003-06:00

Here it is Tuesday, February 10 and we get the joy of having tornadoes touching down here in Oklahoma. So far these storms have been northwest of me and I've only had a bit of rain. Two weeks ago today, we had sleet. Seems kind of odd how weather changes. But LIFE is the same way.

Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, . . . youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king's palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of Judah. And the chief of the eunuchs gave them names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego. But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food
Daniel 1:3-9

When things are going smoothly in your life, you might not find it hard to believe that God is good. But if life takes a bad turn and something devastating happens, you might ask, “How could a good God allow this?” If you know that kind of pain, then you can empathize with Daniel.

Across the pages of Scripture that detail Daniel’s life from teenager to old man, you can write “sovereignty at work.” God was directing his life whether he saw it at the time or not.
Do you know his story? One bright day in Jerusalem when Daniel was just a teenager, he was captured as a POW and was ripped away from everything warm and familiar. Daniel’s enemies were working a cruel strategy. They singled out the best young people—the All-American teenagers voted MVP and ‘Most Likely to Succeed’ and brought them to their capital city near modern-day Kuwait. Their plan was to brainwash these kids with their culture and make them leaders. Daniel was given a foreign name, Belteshazzar, forced to learn a new language, and was given a new diet.

Had Daniel decided what God was like by looking at his circumstances, he would have become a disillusioned, confused, angry, young man. Kidnapped from his homeland, forced into slavery, most likely castrated to become a eunuch in the palace, Daniel’s eyes were still on God. Don’t gloss over these facts like they’re from some made-for-TV movie—this story is true in every detail. Imagine the suffering connected with his circumstances, yet Daniel went through the fire . . . successfully. This certainly gives us hope that we can make it through our firestorm, too.

No doubt a situation comes to mind right now from either your past or the present. You may wonder how a God of love could have allowed some painful, wrong injustice. Yet I would bet on the fact that you’ve not come full circle yet. There will be a day when you will look back and see how God’s sovereign hand was at work. Truth is, He is in the center of the situation that troubles your heart right now. He’s right in the middle of it. Just because you can’t see Him, doesn’t mean He isn’t there. Look for Him, trust Him—He is at work.
Devotion by James McDonald ~Archives

Have a great week!
Cheryl

~Then Sings My Soul Saturday~ By You Side~

2009-02-06T21:07:00.002-06:00

For more, see Amy @ Signs, Miracles & Wonders
Have a great weekend!
Cheryl

~Ripley and Weather (last week)~

2009-02-02T15:00:00.011-06:00

As many experienced some of this storm that hit last week, here are some pictures of Ripley enjoying it! We still have some packed ice that has not melted, but with weather predicted to be in the low 70's by the end of the week, it will be gone. We were very lucky to have sleet and not freezing rain, so as not to have a lot of power outages. I heard Sunday morning that some areas in Kentucky were still experiencing power outgages. I also heard that the great state of Oklahoma was helping Kentucky out in these regards.

Ripley loved the weather and had a great time running around outside and eating the ice/snow.

Have a blessed week!

Love,

Cheryl

~Then Sings My Soul Saturday~ Finally Free

2009-01-30T23:36:00.002-06:00

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For more see, Amy at Signs, Miracles, and Wonders

For more, see Amy @ Signs, Miracles & Wonders

I haven't participated in this meme in some time. Keep a lookout for information on a blog give away soon!

Blessings!

Cheryl

~Friday Funnies~

2009-01-29T21:06:00.003-06:00

The Lost Preacher
A young preacher was contacted by the local funeral director to hold a grave-side committal service at a small local cemetery for someone with no family or friends. The preacher started early but quickly got himself lost, making several wrong turns.

He arrived a half-hour late, the hearse was nowhere in sight, and the workmen were eating lunch.

The pastor went to the open grave and found the vault lid already in place. Taking out his book, he read the service.

As he was returning to his car, he overheard one of the workmen say: "Do you think we should tell him it's a septic tank?"

Ice Fishing
There were two old boys from Alabama who love to fish, and they wanted to do some ice fishing. They'd heard about it up in Canada, and they took off up there. The lake was frozen nicely. They stopped just before they got to the lake at a little bait shop and got all their tackle. One of them said, "We're going to need an ice pick."

So they got that, and they took off. In about two hours, one of them was back at the shop and said, "We're going to need another dozen ice picks."

Well, the fellow in the shop wanted to ask some questions, but he didn't. He sold him the picks, and the old boy left.

In about an hour, he was back. Said, "We're going to need all the ice picks you've got."

The bait man couldn't stand it any longer. "By the way," he asked, "how are you fellows doing?"

"Not very well at all," he said. "We don't even have the boat in the water yet."

For more Friday Funnies, see Kim @ Homesteaders Heart

Have a great weekend!
Cheryl

~Thankful Thursday~

2009-01-28T21:22:00.004-06:00

Thankful for good MRI results.

For more Thankful Thursday, see Lori's Reflections

Have a great Thursday!

Cheryl

~A Grateful Heart~

2009-01-28T14:18:00.004-06:00

Jan is finished with all her testing for this month. I'm thrilled to report that all is the same. NO GROWTH!

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Daily trusting in God--acknowledging that He is the one source of all good gifts and success and the ONLY safe refuge when life is difficult--steers us from the dangers of pride and despair.

Jesus once pointed to a little child and said, "I tell you the truth, you must change and become like children. Otherwise, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. The greatest person in the kingdom of heaven is the one who makes himself humble like this child" (Matthew 18:3-4). A child's humility is one of trust--it pleases God when we trust Him as a child trusts and depends on his father.

James points out that trials test and prove our faith (James 1:1-3), but we don't have to wait for challenging moments to begin trusting God with our entire life. The good news is that with complete and total trust in Him, He directs our steps in the most fulfilling paths for our lives.

James 1:1-3

How to Live as a Christian

"1From James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
To all of God's people who are scattered everywhere in the world:

Greetings.

Faith and Wisdom
2My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy,
3 because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience."

2 Corinthians 12:9
9 But he said to me, "My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, my power is made perfect in you." So I am very happy to brag about my weaknesses. Then Christ's power can live in me."

God Promises He Will:

Hear Our Prayers ~ Psalms 18:6
Refine Us ~ Zechariah 13:9
Give Us Refuge ~ Isaiah 4:5-6
Eventually End Our Trials ~ Isaiah 19:20

Thank you for joining in prayer!
Love,
Cheryl

Faith, Fear & Praying Boldly

2009-01-27T01:00:00.003-06:00

Hi All,

I did get a call from Jan about 5:00 p.m. today. They were in Ennis, Texas and called to get Ennis' weather report for tonight and earlier tomorrow to see whether they needed to go ahead and go on to Houston.

I would ask that you continue to take this to the throne of God. Specifically asking: peace, excellent results, wisdom for the doctors, wisdom for Jan & Gerald and lastly for safe travel. Please pray that Jan will remain positive with a bright outlook on her future.

Here is a bit of something about Faith and Fear:

"The antidote to suffocating, stifling, stagnating fear is simple faith."

"If the Lord be with us, we have no cause of fear. His eye is upon us, His arm over us, His ear open to our prayer. His grace is sufficient, His promise unchangeable." Written by John Newton."

So don't worry, because I am with you. Don't be afraid, because I am your God. I will make you strong and will help you; I will support you with my right hand that saves you." Isaiah 41:10

"One of the greatest promises of God is that we don't have to face our fears alone. He is always with us; never will He forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). In fact, when we truly experience His love, fear is cast away (1 John 4:18). Why? Love is what must be present for trust to flourish."

God will:
Help you in trouble ~ Psalms 46:1-2
Provide your needs and give you peace ~ Philippians 4:6-7
Eliminate fear ~ Leviticus 26:6
Give boldness ~ Proverbs 28:1

Since we truly experience His love, we can walk boldly, with a sense of confidence to God and let Him handle all the anxieties that trouble us.

Please pray that our family will remain steadfast in our Faith and that we will not give in to Fear. Nothing can rob you of joy, confidence, optimism and opportunities more quickly than a spirit of fear.

"I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge --that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:17-19

Laurie Ann @ A Magnolia Heartbeat posted Monday, 01/26/09 on Boldly Approaching the throne with our requests/desires... If you have not seen this post, please check it out. Thanks Laurie

~Bolding approaching the throne of God with Faith~

I made another necklace tonight while I was trying to keep busy.

~Ice, Travel, & Most of all PRAYER~

2009-01-26T12:15:00.004-06:00

Hi All,

Our Monday brings us ICE. With a good possibility of more icy conditions in the next days. Janet and Gerald were going to leave tonight for MD Anderson, but left about 9:30 this morning. Before they got out of their small community, they saw cars that had flipped, wrecks and so forth. When I talked to them they had made it through the icy roads and were dealing with rain.

So, please pray for safe travels. This visit at MD Anderson was supposed to be for well baby check, as the oncologist calls it, but Janet has been experiencing headaches, so they are going to have an MRI Tuesday at 5:45 and I believe see the oncologist Wednesday. We are praying these headaches do not mean growth.

So, I would ask that you join us in prayer asking for safe travels, fantastic results, and PEACE for Jan. This diagnosis/journey has been weighing heavily on her lately.

Here is some more jewelry.

Have a great Monday!

Cheryl

2009-01-23T09:01:00.002-06:00

One summer evening during a violent thunderstorm a mother was tucking her small boy into bed. She was about to turn off the light when he asked with a tremor in his voice,"Mommy, will you sleep with me tonight?" The mother smiled and gave him a reassuring hug. "I can't dear," she said. "I have to sleep in Daddy's room." A long silence was broken at last by his shaky little voice: "The big sissy."

Locked Car Door
A woman was at work when she received a phone call that her daughter was very sick with a fever. She left her work and stopped by the pharmacy to get some medication. She got back to her car and found that she had locked her keys in the car.
She didn't know what to do, so she called home and told the baby sitter what had happened. The baby sitter told her that her the fever was getting worse. She said, "You might find a coat hanger and use that to open the door."
The woman looked around and found an old rusty coat hanger that had been thrown down on the ground, possibly by someone else who at some time or other had locked their keys in their car. Then she looked at the hanger and said, "I don't know how to use this."
So she bowed her head and asked God to send her some help. Within five minutes an old rusty car pulled up, with a dirty, greasy, bearded man who was wearing an old biker skull rag on his head. The woman thought, "This is what you sent to help me?" But, she was desperate, so she was also very thankful.
The man got out of his car and asked her if he could help. She said, "Yes, my daughter is very sick. I stopped to get her some medication and I locked my keys in my car. I must get home to her. Please, can you use this hanger to unlock my car?"
He said, "Sure". He walked over to the car, and in less than a minute the car was opened. She hugged the man and through her tears she said, "Thank You So Much! You are a very nice man."
The man replied, "Lady, I am not a nice man. I just got out of prison today. I was in prison for car theft and have only been out for about an hour."
The woman hugged the man again and with sobbing tears cried out loud, "Oh, Thank you God! You even sent me a Professional!"

What do you think of this necklace and earrings. I made them earlier this week.

For more Friday Funnies, see Kim at Homesteaders Heart

Have a great weekend.!

Cheryl

~Thankful Thursday~

2009-01-21T20:25:00.005-06:00

For more "Thankful Thursday," see Lori's Reflections

Have a "Thankful Day."

Cheryl

~Prayer~

2009-01-21T12:55:00.003-06:00

Jan has been having problems with headaches. These started after her return from MD Anderson. Here is the link to Jan's blog where she is asking prayer. Grammy's Journey.

So, I'm asking for prayer for this to be nothing more than allergy or sinus problems, but also for peace of mind, courage, hope and love.

Thanks

Cheryl

Philippians 4:12-13 ~ "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

At Home

2009-01-18T18:05:00.004-06:00

I've taken on a new endeavor. I've signed up with a company called At Home America.

This month that are having a HUGE sale. 60%+ off a lot of things.

If anyone is interested, you can click on the above link to my website. Once you get there, on the left hand side, there is a Attic/Outlet. If you click on that, it will take you to a page that there is Sale. Once you click on the sale button, it will take you to all the things on sale.

Also under Tools, on the left hand side, there is Online Catalog. This has the new catalog that came out in January. You can order online. There are ways you can earn free product and discounted products. They have a lot of great "homewares." I received 3 boxes of their products last Monday. I also have catalogs and would mail to anyone interested.

If anyone is interested, but please do not feel obligated.

Have a blessed week!
Cheryl

~Friday Funnies~Fashion

2009-01-15T22:57:00.006-06:00

For More Friday Funnies, see Kim @ Homesteaders Heart.

Have a great weekend!

Cheryl

~Word Filled Wednesday~

2009-01-13T23:17:00.007-06:00

For More WFW, see Amy @ The 160 Acre Woods.

Have a great Wednesday!

Cheryl

~The Cracked Pot~

2009-01-12T22:56:00.001-06:00

A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on the end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots was perfectly made and never leaked. The other pot had a crack in it and by the time the water bearer reached his master's house it had leaked much of it's water and was only half full.

For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his master's house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you." "Why?" asked the bearer. "What are you ashamed of?" "I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master's house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value from your efforts," the pot said.

The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, "As we return to the master's house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path."

Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again the pot apologized to the bearer for its failure.

The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you've watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master's table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house."

Each of us has our own unique flaws. We're all cracked pots. But if we will allow it, God will use our flaws to grace his table. In God's great economy, nothing goes to waste. Don't be afraid of your flaws. Acknowledge them, and you too can be the cause of beauty. Know that in our weakness we find our strength.

Author Unknown

Have a blessed Tuesday!

~Simple Messages~

2009-01-12T00:50:00.000-06:00

We sat outside in the waiting room on a long wooden bench. Big metal, double doors separated us from our final destination. The familiar warning signs indicating that radiation was prevalent in the area was posted along several walls and on the big doors. Week after week we took our seats, almost silently. Sometimes the same faces would nod to one another, but usually there was a stillness and the endless time spent waiting until a name was called......then the doors would open briefly to allow the patient to enter. This was the routine.

As the holidays approached, someone in the hospital decided it would be "cheery" to decorate these doors with Christmas wrapping paper and run ribbon up the middle and across to simulate a present. It was a genuine gesture of kindness, but somehow it seemed oddly peculiar.

But, one day, as we all sat there in silence, I saw a small corner of wrapping paper still taped to the door. Someone had forgotten to remove all of the paper. Here it was nearly Easter, I thought, and Christmas paper was still in our presence. So....I reached down to remove the torn and tattered corner.

Then, something caught my eye. The word "JOY" was imprinted on this small scrap of paper...paper barely large enough to contain these three letters. I was weary and tired and drained. How, I thought, could one find "JOY" in any of this? Certainly, I felt no such feeling. There was no trash container in sight, so I put the scrap of paper into my purse, thinking I would discard it later.

Months passed. There were good days, and not so good days. Consultations, decisions, hospitalizations, appointments. Then one day while waiting outside these same doors I decided to go through my purse and discard some of the items that so mysteriously seemed to collect in my handbag. At the bottom of my purse, I found the small scrap of Christmas paper. "Joy" it said. Yes, I remembered where it came from.....from right over there on that big metal door. Here it was nearly Easter. It seemed years had passed since Christmas. How strange that I still had this paper in my purse.

As I held it in my hand, I prayed: "Dear God, please be with my son today as he takes his final radiation treatment." It was a simple prayer, but sincere. A few moments later I was escorted into the doctor's office, and subsequently joined by my son. It was evident the news was good, for there were smiles on the doctors' faces. There would be no further radiation treatments. The scans indicated the tumor was gone. I've kept that small scrap of paper in my wallet as a reminder. God had sent me a message.....months before. I just didn't know it.

Seventeen years have passed, and today I will be babysitting three little boys.....my son's sons. As I look at them and recall this time so many years gone by.....oh, the joy that fills my soul! Thank you God for that simple message you sent my way so long ago, printed on torn Christmas paper. I thank you for the joy and love you show me daily....in so many different ways.

Written by our friend Mary Fischinger about an
experience she encountered while her 17-year
old son was fighting cancer.

~Friday Funnies~

2009-01-08T21:30:00.003-06:00

Little old church painted

It seems that there was a little old church out in the countryside: painted white and with a high steeple.One Sunday, the pastor noticed that his church needed painting. He checked out the Sunday ads and found a paint sale. The next day, he went into town and bought a gallon of white paint. He went back out to the church and began the job.He got done with the first side. It was looking great. But he noticed he had already used a half gallon. He didn't want to run back in town and being the creative person that he was, he found a gallon of thinner in the shed out back, and began to thin his paint.It worked out great. He finished the remaining three sides with that last half gallon of paint.That night, it rained: it rained hard. The next morning when he stepped outside of the parsonage to admire his work, he saw that the first side was looking great, but that the paint on the other three sides had washed away.The pastor looked up in sky in anguish and cried out, "What shall I do?"A voice came back from the heavens saying, "Repaint, and thin no more!"

Enjoy! Have a great weekend!

For more Friday Funnies, see Kim @ Homsteaders Heart

Cheryl

~Word Filled Wednesday~

2009-01-07T01:32:00.004-06:00

For more WFW, see Amy @ The 160 Acre Woods

Have a great Wednesday!
Cheryl

~Waiting For God's Answer~

2009-01-05T21:55:00.003-06:00

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. - Romans 5:3-5

The Christian life would be easy if the space in time was small between when you first believe God's promises and when you receive what He promised. If you could read about it one day and get it the next, Wow - wouldn't that be great!?

But life's not like that.

The hard part is in the waiting between God's promise and His answer; and even harder, when the waiting comes with uncertainties.

Where's this going? Where am I going to end up? What's my future look like?

The reality is, we just don't know how circumstances will play out and it's this not-knowing that crushes us. We doubt because we don't know. We worry and despair because we don't know. We falter and sometimes fail - all because we don't know. If only we knew how this trial was going to end, we would be okay. But we don't.

We all have areas of uncertainty where we need to hold tightly onto what God has said while we wait for Him to work. I couldn't go forward another day if I didn't believe what He told me. So here's what we each must do: We must review His promises all the time. We must remind ourselves that our faith is in God and not in what He does for us. He knows what He has promised, He can't lie, and He can't forget. He will deliver on time, all the time. Who else can make promises like that?

God knows that it's hard for us to walk by faith. So He assures us, I'm not going to leave you wondering what I'm going to do. I don't want you to be overcome by fear. So I'm going to make some promises to you so that you can get through the difficult days. You don't have to take your view of life only from what you can see happening right in front of you. You're not imprisoned by the crazy talk someone is putting into your head that you know isn't true. Hang onto the things that I told you.

And while we wait, God builds our faith.
by: James McDonald

Have a blessed Tuesday!
Cheryl

~New Year~

2009-01-03T23:57:00.002-06:00

I saw an interesting sign on a church marquee on Friday while I was out. It said, "The new year is a gift from God. Use it wisely."

Here are some thoughts I ran across in regards to the new year:

* Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
* Memorize your favorite poem.
* Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have, or sleep all you want.
* When you say, "I love you", mean it.
* When you say, "I'm sorry", look the person in the eye.
* Believe in love at first sight.
* Never laugh at anyone's dreams.
* Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.
* In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.
* Talk slow, but think quick.
* Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
* Treat others as you want to be treated.
* Invest in all relationships and they will grow, but if you put in nothing, you will get nothing out.
* Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.
* When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
* Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; Responsibility for all your actions.
* Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
* When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
* Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
* Spend some time alone.
* Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.
* Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
* Read more books and watch less TV.
* Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll get to enjoy it a second time.
* Trust in God but lock your car.
* A loving atmosphere in your home is so important. Do all you can to create a tranquil harmonious home.
* In disagreements with loved ones, deal with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.
* Read between the lines.
* Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.
* Be gentle with the earth.
* Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.
* If you make a lot of money, put it to use helping others while you are living. That is wealth's greatest satisfaction.
* Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes the blessing.
* Remember that the best relationship is one where your love for each other is greater than your need for each other.
* Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
* Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.
--- And most importantly -----
* Pray. There's immeasurable power in it.

There is so much to gain in life with just little effort.

Cheryl

~Results - Stable~

2008-12-31T18:04:00.004-06:00

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~

2008-12-31T00:12:00.004-06:00

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~

2008-12-30T01:41:00.005-06:00

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~

2008-12-26T13:05:00.000-06:00

~Happy Christmas~

2008-12-25T00:17:00.004-06:00

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~

2008-12-23T22:17:00.002-06:00

“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 ~

2008-12-22T21:11:00.005-06:00

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~

2008-12-20T00:53:00.008-06:00

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~

2008-12-20T00:29:00.000-06:00

“[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~

2008-12-18T15:18:00.009-06:00

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