YEAREND INVENTORY

I HOPE YOU HAD A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS!!! WE DID HERE IN GEORGETOWN AND LEXINGTON. ACTUALLY, WE STARTED CHRISTMAS EVE IN PARIS AT MY SISTER, KATHY'S......CONTINUED CHRISTMAS MORNING WITH THE KIDS HERE AT OUR HOUSE.......THEN FINISHED UP IN LEXINGTON AT MY SISTER, PAM'S. IT IS FAMILY TIME FOR US, AFTERALL.

NOW, NEW YEAR'S EVE, IT'S TIME TO REFLECT ON THE YEAR THAT IS ENDING AND GET READY FOR THE YEAR TO COME. IT'S BEEN A YEAR OF WONDERUL BLESSINGS FOR US, GETTING MOVED CLOSER TO MY FAMILY AFTER MANY YEARS OF LIVING SOMEWHAT APART IN THE OTHER HALF OF THE STATE. IT'S BEEN A YEAR OF HEALTH BLESSINGS AS WE'VE WEATHERED THROUGH MINOR CHALLENGES THAT HAVE TAKEN A TOLL ON US FINANCIALLY. THANKFULLY, WE HAVE ENDURED THESE STORMS AND LOOK TO BE ABLE TO BOUNCE BACK IN THE COMING MONTHS. ALL FAMILY MEMBERS THAT HAD HEALTH ISSUES THIS YEAR ARE BEGINNING THE NEW YEAR WITH THEIR GOOD HEALTH. THANK GOD FOR GETTING US OFF TO A HEALTHY START IN 2009.

IN ADDITION TO OUR FAMILIES, I AM SO THANKFUL TO HAVE A WONDERFUL CHURCH FAMILY AND OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW CLOSER TO OUR HEAVENLY FATHER BY IMMERSING MYSELF IN HIS WORD. WE ARE CURRENTLY IN A BIBLE STUDY WITH OUR PASTOR AND I HOPE TO BRING SOME WOMEN'S STUDIES TO OUR CHURCH THIS YEAR. I'VE BEEN ENRICHED BY THE LIKES OF BETH MOORE AND STORMIE O'MARTIAN AND HOPE TO SHARE THESE OPPORTUNITIES AT MY OWN CHURCH.

I CONTINUE TO ASK FOR GUIDANCE AND WISDOM. I BELIEVE HE IS SHOWING US, AS A COUNTRY, THE BETTER WAY TO LIVE OUR LIVES BY THE STRUGGLES OUR ECONOMY IS CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING. AREN'T WE LEARNING THAT GREED IS EVIL AND LEADS TO DESTRUCTION? AREN'T WE LEARNING THAT WE SHOULD USE OUR RESOURCES MODERATELY AND MORE WISELY? I HOPE WE'RE LEARNING TO LOVE EACH OTHER MORE, WILLING TO REACH OUT AND HELP EACH OTHER MORE AND TRYING TO LIVE WITHIN OUR MEANS MORE.

BOTTOM LINE HERE IS TO LOVE OTHERS MORE, LOVE THINGS LESS. VALUE RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS; FAMILY, FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS. THANK GOD FOR ALL THE TRUE BLESSINGS IN OUR LIVES.

I ESPECIALLY LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEW YEAR AND REACHING OUT TO MY FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS TO SHARE THE WONDERFUL NEWS OF OUR REDEEMER. I LOOK FORWARD TO TALKING TO YOU SOON. HAVE A GREAT DAY, LUV,SUSAN

Linus's Message of Love

The Herald-Leader Weekender of December 5th listed the ten most special of holiday specials. Some I hadn't seen, others I've seen and don't care to see again, and then there was the winner, A Charlie Brown Christmas. Made in 1965 it beat out A Wonderful Life as the most noteworthy holiday show to watch. I have to agree, it has endured all these years.

When I'm reminded of those holiday specials and movies, I have to reach back into my memory bank and pull out some I haven't seen in years. I remember when Dustin first saw the abominable snowman in Rudolf, he was terrified, but when the program was over, he cried, because he didn't want it to end. I always enjoyed Toyland when I was little and a simple little animated special called "The Night the Animals Talked". Then there's Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol that I remember decorating the tree to when I was younger. In more recent years, I've enjoyed Jim Henson's The Christmas Toy, which, I believe was the forerunner to Toystory.

Some of the movies that I adored have been played and played so much, I've even gotten rather tired of watching them. But, others, I'd love to see again. A friend reminded me of "The Bishops Wife". It's a wonderful old movie with Cary Grant and David Niven. When the Bishop gives a sermon at the end of the movie entitled The Empty Stocking, it really is moving. I recently watched a televised church service, the Southland Hour. Their minster, Jon Weece, gave a sermon that really hit home, like that movie minister did. I suppose all preachers are summing up that Christmas message as well, remembering the less fortunate, this time of year.

But, I have to get back to Linus, because he has the true Christmas story, not the one about Ralphie and his Red Ryder BB gun. Did "Charlie Brown's Christmas" become the best holiday special because we want to hear the real Christmas Story? I hope so. It can be found where Linus found it, in Luke 2.
The stories, books, movies, songs and specials that have been derived from verses 1-20 go on and on. It's the most amazing, most miraculous story of all. Charles Shulz did a great job, through Linus, of reminding us what Christmas is all about

I hope you get to see all your favorite holiday specials. I'll continue to look for mine. Have a great day, luv, Susan

Snowed In

We have our first real snow of the season and it's not even officially winter yet. I think we have somewhere between three and four inches and is beautiful this morning. I'm looking forward to seeing deer come to the corn placed out back. Several nights ago, we were able to watch three bucks. While one ate, the other two butted heads and sparred in the background. It was quite the sight.

This is a wonderful time of year to quiet our minds and let the Christmas spirit warm our souls as we are reminded of the babe in the manger and what that amazing life did for each of us. As I read in the morning's upperroom, it is so easy to get carried away with the traditions of the season, which involve rushing, wrapping and wrestling with all kinds of Christmas tasks. We can enjoy all the hoopla of this holiday, just try to remember to reflect on the true meaning and ask what He wants for His birthday. It's probably not more stuff, but more small acts of kindness towards others. Take the time to honor the birthday boy and give him exactly what he wants this year......love.

I guess it's time to get out the boots, and truck on out in the snow. The paper may be plowed under, but I have more Christmas cards to send, so I'll make the trek down the hill to the mailbox. Riff and Roy have already demonstrated their delight in the snow. I just hope they can shake it all off before dripping all over in the house. You have a great day, luv, Susan

Mystery Solved

The weather out there, this morning, is frightful, but I just saw the seven day forecast and it is delightful. I heard that the temps are gonna be in the forties and fifties all week with chances of sun every day!!! That is wonderful!

I am really blessed to have opportunities to be part of Bible studies. Previously, I attended a women's study at Porter Memorial Baptist Church in Lexington, meeting the most awesome group of women. Currently, our pastor at our little country church is conducting a study of Colossians. These are my new friends and neighbors here in Scott County. I really do love my neighbors.

I continue to suggest that you absolutely can't go wrong if you read a daily devotional from the Upperroom publication. It is available online daily at upperroom.org. Today's scripture has special meaning to me. It is the very scripture that is often recommended to those who want to start learning about the Bible. What an awesome place to start, John 1:1-5, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning." Yep, that sounds like a good place to start.

Our Colossions Bible study Wednesday brought up the subject of the great mystery of our faith and belief. Today's upperroom also mentions that in the title, Who Is He? There's a lot to that answer. There's probably more written about Jesus and his teachings and his life and his impact on this world than any other individual in all of history. The mystery of who he was and how he affected this world continues to be studied daily around the world. But, if we are faithful in our prayers, our fellowship and our scripture readings, it becomes clear to each of us, in our hearts.

Colossians 1:27 speaks to me, it says: "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." I believe that each of us is Christ. We are each members of His church, the body of Christ, we are Him and it is up to us to do His work, which is loving and caring for His people, all people. If we do that, we are accomplishing our part of His plan and we will inherit the glory of Him in heaven.

The dogs really went nuts this morning just as I sat down at the computer. I checked out the reason they were barking. It was a couple of deer walking across the snow covered pasture across the road. I'm so glad hunting season for the most part is over, so I can again enjoy seeing the deer. God blesses us with so many beautiful things. I pray we are all aware of and thankful for the true blessings in our lives.

Have a great day and enjoy this season of preparation for the coming of the baby in the manger, who was and is the Light of this world. luv, Susan

A Day of Rejoicing

I hope you had a wonderful weekend. I was blessed with fun family time at my sister's house for my nephew's birthday. I also enjoyed seeing UK basketball and one of the "Unforgettables", even though the outcome of the first of the two games wasn't the best. I hope Billy G. can get the players ready for all the tough competition to come. But, I think I mostly enoyed being in church, singing Christmas Carols. In addition to the music, the people and the message; the greenery, the nativity and the lit tree really get me in the true Christmas spirit.

I often mention saints in my life. He blesses me with many. One of those saints passed on to her eternal reward Friday. Louise was such a special person. She made everyone around her feel welcomed and loved. I enjoyed her company so very much and will miss her. I know her family will miss her terribly, but I just know they will remember that Friday was a day of rejoicing for her, as she was able to be reunited with those who had gone before her. Her daughter told me that there definitely was dancing in heaven.

Louise became a true Christian over twenty years ago. I know she had lived a good life before then. She had a beautiful family, children, friends and a life that would be looked on as happy and successful. A terrible tragedy brought her to question everything and at that time she learned there was just one answer to life's tough questions. After accepting Jesus Christ as her personal savior, she was able to have peace and share His love with others throughout her remaining life.

When I talked to her granddaughter, she told me that Louise had loved them all, even when they didn't deserve it. That's exactly what God does. Because He sent His only son to die on a cross when we were still sinners, He proved His unsurpassing love for us. We don't have to be perfect to accept His love, He loves us even when we don't deserve it.

I look forward to my day of rejoicing when I'm reunited with all those friends and family members that have gone on ahead. I hope by then I can rest assured that all my loved ones that remain behind will have accepted Him and His amazing grace. In the meantime, I will enjoy this special season, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our King.

I believe the weather may actually try to warm up today and that is wonderful news for me. These dogs need a nice long walk and so do I. I hope you have a great day, luv, Susan

With Every Christmas Card I Write

I started my Christmas cards yesterday. I do it every year. I'm always afraid I'll send cards to someone who really hates feeling pressured to send one back. I don't want to impose more unwanted Christmas stress on my friends and family. But I really enjoy hearing from all the special friends and my family and knowing that they're doing well. I love sending them a little note, when I've got the time, to remind them that we are all doing well and we are thinking of them and what they mean to us, still.

As usual, my cards have a manger scene. I especially like the cards that show baby Jesus surrounded by all the animals in the stable. I'm afraid this year, they're a little different. Some only have one little lamb and others have all the main characters of the nativity depicted with sheep, except for baby Jesus.

Today's Upperroom scripture is from Psalms 4. It's really beautiful and I especially enjoyed the line, "Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord."
But, I'm reminded of Psalm 23, "The Lord is My Shepherd" this morning. We are so blessed to have Him watching over and protecting us, as a shepherd protects his flock.

When I consider the significance of our God and Father as our shepherd, I'm pleased that my cards include the lambs and sheep. We need to remember that we need Him, because like sheep, we don't always understand what's best for us. We need our shepherd to guide and protect us in this world. If we follow his gentle guidance surely goodness and love will follow us all the days of our lives, and we will dwell in His house forever.

Speaking of shepherding, two of my own little lambs, Riff and Roy, needed guidance this morning. They chose this first morning in the teens to run across the street and terrorize the horses as they ate their breakfast of hay. I hope my neighbors didn't witness the spectacle when I "gently guided" my little lambs back home.

I hope you have a great day and keep warm. luv, Susan

KISS

Well, it's December 2nd. Even though it's not officially winter, we definitely have winter weather outside. We've been watching snowflakes the past several days. I would love to say I've been bundling up and facing the cold and taking my walks. I'm afraid I've been getting my exercising mostly doing low impact aerobics to CMT and chasing the dogs around the yard. I talked to a friend yesterday. She and her husband are walking faithfully everyday. I'm gonna try to keep them as my example and get my lazy butt out there.....soon.

Because it is early December, it is time to decorate for Christmas. It is the Advent season, when we prepare to welcome the greatest gift of all, our savior, Jesus Christ. I want to remember to make him the focal point of this season. It's easy to get carried away with all the holiday preparations; the shopping, the wrapping, the decorating and the socializing. But, I want to try to start each day remembering what this season is all about.....Him.

I mentioned earlier that we decorated outside with greenery and white lights. That's what I'll be doing indoors as well. My favorite decorations, though, are my nativities. Mark's parents gave us one, and I've managed to accumulate a few others. So, even though I've got tons of decorations in boxes upstairs, I really think I'll keep it simple this year.

We had a Hanging of the Greens service at church Sunday night and as we each placed our greenery around the church and the ornaments on our tree, it was Mildred, one of our dearest members, who gave us that special reminder. As we each brought up the figurines of the nativity and placed them on the table at the alter, she cradled the baby Jesus in her hands. When we had all finished, everyone asked, "Where is Jesus?". Mildred took the time to tell us a story she recently read concerning a Christmas play that had failed to make a place for Jesus. She just wanted to remind us that we needed to remember to make a place for Jesus and remember that He is the reason for the season.

I hope you have a great day and as I continue to remind myself to Keep It Simple, Susan, I will hope that you will remember to keep a special place for Him in your Advent season. love, Susan