Passing On To Eternity?

Sister Pam and I attended the UK women's basketball game last night. After initially looking like the LadyCats were gonna blow the MTSU team out of Memorial Coliseum, it turned out to be a really exciting game. I think I went to school with the little Snowden standout's grandfather at Paris High School. Still seeking confirmation on that. Anyway, they were behind as much as ten points and fought their way back to a really impressive win. I can't wait to check out their standings in the national rankings.

Like I've said, I am so enjoying the Christmas music. Last night I heard Jars of Clay singing a really familiar Christmas Carol on K-Love. Unfortunately, I missed hearing the first line and could not place the title. Finally, I was able to look it up in my church hymnal. It was "It Came Upon The Midnight Clear". I don't think I had heard or sang it yet this season. It's definitely a keeper as Christmas Carols go.

I hope you have a great, safe New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Things will remain rather quiet around here, save for that big game coming up of Cardinal Red vs Big Blue. It's gonna be a real battle as the first UK vs UofL at the new arena in Louisville. GO BIG BLUE!!!

I'm always saddened this time of year to see the individuals who have passed on during the year. Sadly, the traditional family we tried to exemplify has lost a mom and dad as Barbara Billingsly of Leave It To Beaver and Tom Bosley of Happy Days have passed away. I always enjoyed the movie, A League of Their Own. They filmed parts of it in Evansville, Indiana and Henderson, Kentucky while we lived there. The character, Dorothy, upon who the movie was based, also died in 2010. There were many politicians, celebrities, sports figures and other notable individuals. I always wonder which ones of these folks in the spotlight had the opportunity to accept their savior, Jesus Christ, and thereby assuring them of eternal life. It will be interesting to know someday.

I hope this new year brings me closer to my family members and my friends and neighbors. I hope to continue using all the means God has given me and placed at my disposal to share the wonderful story of His plan for us, each and every one of us. I will be very sad, indeed, if when I arrive in heaven, I don't see all the family and friends I spent time with while here on earth. So, I'm gonna try to use Him as my example and be the best reflection of Him that I can be. I will also try to not impose myself on anyone who chooses not to hear. He did give us free will, after all. I can only be the best example I can be of His amazing love and hope that I can share a small part of the wonderful mystery that is our Lord, our God, and our Savior.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, I hope to see you in 2011..........................really, I do. luv, Susan

HANGING ON

Wow, I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, as well as a memorable Christmas season. I'm still enjoying this special time of year. Even though I did not find the time to retrieve my favorite creche, I am still enjoying the three nativity sets I managed to have displayed with their white lights. I'm also continuing to have my tree lit in the evenings, as well as any other Christmas-time lighting that never fails to help in rekindling that wonderful, magical Christmas feeling. I may be one of the few individuals who actually has my own little stash of colored lights in a glass brick, that I keep available all year long. In fact, this year those lights finally went out, and I had to shop around to replace them. Not to fear, I was able to purchase half price colored lights yesterday and replaced them last night.

I'm also hanging onto my special music about the mysterious manger birth some two thousand years ago. I'll keep listening to the wonderful Christmas Message channel that Dish offers as long as it's available. I especially enjoy hearing songs from Steven Curtis Chapman. I am going to use my Christmas money to buy a book written by his wife that I recently saw on Wal-Mart's book shelf. It was so painful to hear that this giving family had a tragic accident occur a couple years ago, when their older son accidentally backed over his little sister while driving their family SUV. Why do bad things happen to good people? I believe their story will inspire many. His songs through the years have been such an inspiration to those who hear them. On more than one occasion I have given one of his cd's to friends who have lost children. It was so sad and ironic to know that he and his family were going through the indescribable pain of losing a child. Thankfully, their faith in God was strong, and they have managed to come through these difficult years. I'm looking forward to hearing the family share their story tomorrow on Good Morning America.

Well, I have a mountain of laundry to tackle today. It's not surprising that washing clothes does not make the top of my Christmas activity list this time of the year.

My sister and brother in law wanted to remind me that they saw something in yesterdays paper that made them think of me. Seems that humming can help prevent sinus infections. Evidentally, I hum a lot of the songs that I listen to on the radio and my TV music channels. I just consider it part of my wanting to be in some form of constant prayer and most of the songs that stick with me are lifting up praises to Him through humming. And, by the way, I've never had a sinus infection.

I hope you're hanging on to the amazing spirit of Christmas. Have a warm, wonderful and safe day. luv, Susan

Three Days Before Christmas

It is now three days before Christmas. I will be making one more trip into town to finish up my shopping. The decorating is enough to lift my spirits, as I so enjoy white lights and greenery throughout the house and colored lights on my tree. The tree doesn't have any ornaments yet, but in the evening it sure looks pretty all lit up. I still haven't managed to find my Precious Moments figurines, but, as long as they're out on Christmas Eve, I'll be happy. I did get all but one card sent and I baked cookies and put presents in their boxes yesterday. Today, after some shopping, it'll be cookie decorating and present wrapping.

I've often told Mark that he is sometimes like a bull in a china shop. He again demonstrated that the other day when I was away for a time. He was a real sweetie and washed the dishes that I hadn't managed to finish the night before. Unfortunately, he hadn't taken into consideration the little merry miniature nativity figures in the window above the sink. Somehow, he managed to take out the entire display. He did try to put it back together, it was a real mess, to say the least. I found the little shepherd boy in the dish drainer with the clean dishes. And when I finally got all the dishes put away, there was Mary in the drain trap under the dish drainer. Not exactly the place for the mother of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I was thankful for the help with the dishes and the little figures are plastic, so no harm done.

The doggies were creating a real commotion yesterday while I tried to get some things accomplished. All five were barking hysterically out the front window. When I finally went to see the reason for the outburst, I was startled to see five turkeys in the driveway in front of the house. They appeared to be frozen in place, standing in a straight line, equal distances from one another. After they eventually broke their formation, I herded the five dogs away from the windows and into the basement. I didn't see where the turkeys went, but later when we went out for a break, I saw all their really strange tracks left in the snow.

I am looking forward to spending time with friends and family over these next several days. I hope to visit friends in Paris to deliver cookies. I still need to take cards to some of my neighbors and it will be wonderful to spend time with the kids as well as the rest of the family come Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

These past several days have been really difficult for so many. The holiday season is wonderful, but life's problems continue and many times seem amplified during these hectic days. I'm praying for peace and joy for all throughout this season. I only hope life's challenges don't interfere with the specialness of the celebration of Christ's birth. He came into this world for each and everyone of us. When we find ourself in troubling circumstances, remember His wonderful name, Emmanuel, which means God is with us. He is. Ask Him for the strength and support to get through.

Three days left before Christmas, I better get busy. Have a wonderful, safe day, luv, Susan

SHORT PEOPLE

We knew this last snow was coming and it did not disappoint. There is a fresh, new blanket of snow covering the ground outside. The doggies and I had the previous snow cover pretty scarred up with our repeated trips to the mailbox and all, so it's nice that we have a pristine new cover. The trees don't look nearly as pretty as they did previously, when they were covered with the snow clinging to their upper extremities. Nor, do they look like they did yesterday, when I drove to town. Then, because of the extreme cold, all the trees sparkled and appeared jewel-like. It was amazing to see. Today, they just look bare, but the ground is white. It still looks like a winter wonderland in Central Kentucky.

I will finish my decorating today. I have two more nativities to put out. I did two yesterday. The first was a gift from Mark's parents. It's been displayed each Christmas season on the dining room hutch for countless years. The second is a Merry Minature display that I always place near my kitchen sink. Both are surrounded by greenery and little white lights. I'll put the creche my neighbors gave me on the mantle this year. That's breaking with the previous tradition of music boxes and bears that always adorned my mantle, but I'm trying to simplify here. The last nativity is the little pastel hand-painted pewter Precious Moments figures I bought when we lived in New England. It really is precious to me and it'll probably be placed somewhere close to the open family Bible. Still a little unsure about where. I'll want to be able to see it throughout the day, but won't want to worry about the figures getting knocked over. I'll figure it out.

I'll complete my decorating with the Christmas tree. After years and years of getting real trees, I opted to go with a hand me down artificial tree from my mom. I did all the time consuming decorating last year with lots and lots of colored lights. After Christmas, I then moved it into a back bedroom and put a big plastic bag over it. I can't wait to see it relit in the great room this year.

Why do the media have to keep saying that we, who still have shopping to do, have waited til the last minute. Waiting til Christmas Eve is last minute. A week to go makes perfect sense to me. I consider myself on schedule, thank you.

The UpperRoom reading today was about Zacchaeus, which is found in Luke 19:1-10. It was always such a fun story to share with small children. We always enjoyed singing the song about the wee little man. The writer compares fellow Christians along our way as the trees that some of us use to see Jesus, similar to Zacchaeus climbing the sycamore tree. It's a beautiful analogy and I can think of many friends and family who have been there showing me Jesus through the years through their kindness, compassion and love. I only hope I do the same.

It also comes to mind that Zacchaeus was short. We all fall short of what God wants us to be. God did not send Jesus into the world for the righteous people, but for those of us who don't quite measure up. It was the lost and the uninformed of His love that God sent His Son. He came for me and you. He came for us, all. Thank you, God, for loving us so much that you gave us, the most precious gift of all, our savior.

This is a special time of year. I'm going to dwell on Christ's birth in a manger today and everyday this special season. You have a wonderful day, stay safe and warm, luv, Susan

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS

It is another frigid, snow covered day in Central Kentucky. Even though we don't expect any additional precipitation today, the four or so inches out there will probably stick around, as we continue to be in the deep freeze. Schools in the area are canceled and our little country church hasn't had services for two weeks. But, it is beautiful and I've been able to do a little catching up due to the fact that I am unable to do my usual trips to town. Yes, I even put away the Thanksgiving decorations yesterday, as well as the Halloween stuff that never left the big "fall decorations" box. I really look forward to arranging some of my nativities today in their various locations about the house.

I didn't expect to venture out yesterday beyond the mailbox by the road, however, the dogs had different ideas. Because the gate was left wide open yesterday morning, it was too much of a temptation for our newest dog to do some holiday visiting. I really wasn't in a mood to share Christmas cheer with the neighbors, but I did venture out, always keeping Pudge in sight. We managed to leave our footsteps in the snow across several yards before I convinced him to stop long enough to swoop him into my arms. Riff and Roy, also decided to make their way down the road, and we all ventured back home together. The four horses were having their breakfast across the road and kept a close eye on us as we paraded up then back down the road.

I'd like to say that lessons were learned from that early morning outing, but, I actually got in an extra workout when Pudge decided to head out again later in the afternoon. I'm happy to say that Riff and Roy were safely snug in the basement this second time. I don't expect any repeats today, our hill, going up and down repeatedly, became quite the challenge. Like I said, I did, indeed, get a good workout.

Kentucky played one of it's most storied rivals Saturday. If you've spent most of your days in Central Kentucky, you have no idea what the rivalry between Indiana and Kentucky means. Because we lived 21 years in a community on the Ohio River, we got to experience the IU/UK feud first hand. This borderline battle was made even more fierce because of the personality of the biggest bully of all college sports, Bobby Knight. I find it quite amusing that we now have our own Knight, and Bobby has been out of the picture for this duel for quite sometime now. It was a good game, it had a really nice ending for us Wildcat faithful. It was especially fun, knowing that I had family at the game. Unlike football, it's a rarity for us to make it to the basketball games.

So, I have finally begun to chip away at my Christmas activity list. I've finished my cards and have even started my shopping. I can't fault my family for wanting to give so many gifts for Christmas. After all, that's what Christmas is all about. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, shall not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) I hope you have a wonderful, warm and safe day today. luv, Susan

Getting In The CHRISTmas Spirit

What a beautiful morning it is outside!! The sun is shining on what is left of the snow, and it just sparkles. We are going to have a little mini heatwave today as the temps skyrocket up to 32 degrees. These past few days have had us in a deep freeze. Unfortunately, for me, the five white fuzzies can go out and simply enjoy their limited freedom and not freeze off their furry little bottoms. I, however, put on many layers and still feel like I'm gonna start breaking off extremities, I'm so frozen. It's especially nice when all five fuzzies go out, do their business and are ready to come right back into the warm house....yes!

I am feeling so spoiled this morning. Our satellite TV has a new Christmas music channel and it is playing the most wonderful songs about Jesus and the story of His birth. I've always loved the country Christmas songs about the true meaning of Christmas and, of course, all the Christmas Carols, but I'm really getting spoiled hearing so many beautiful songs describing that mysterious holy day when our Savior first came into our world. I've also been listening to the local K-Love station in our area. I think it's 89.9 and it plays these beautiful, inspirational songs as well. I highly recommend your checking out either of these to help you get into the true spirit of Christmas.

My mom and dad went to Nashville recently and were able to attend a taping of the RFD channel's program, Larry's Diner. It was fun seeing them in the "diner" with my sister and brother-in-law. It was especially nice to see my dad presented with a Navy belt buckle in honor of his military service. Also, while in Nashville, my mom and sister went to see the taping of CMA's Christmas special, the day after this year's CMA Awards. That program was aired while we were in Florida, so I recorded it and was pleasantly pleased when I watched it night before last. Thank you Country Music for bringing such wonderful, seasonal music to prime time TV.

Well, I'm still doing my Christmas cards and getting my other lists together. Maybe I'll take down the Thanksgiving decorations today. Give me a break, I didn't put them up til two hours before Thanksgiving dinner. Anyway, I have mentioned before that I am a procrastinator, so I just have to enjoy things sometimes a little later than most.

Yes, it is a wonderful day. We in the Big Blue Nation were able to watch a really good game last night, after several missteps this past week or so. I didn't even know Tyler Hansborough had a brother, yikes!! How many other former foe clones will we face this year, are there any little Laetner's out there? Anyway, life is good for the Big Blue right now. You have a great day and get in the Christmas spirit. luv, Susan

Winter Wonderland

Good Tuesday morning! It's been over a week since I've blogged. Mark and I went south to visit his parents in Florida. The weather was hot and sunny, in the eighties most of our visit. It was wonderful to be able to walk the two doggies that accompanied us each day we were there. We so enjoy visiting with Mark's family in Florida when we can. I still struggle with the geographical distances between us and family members who I wish were closer......just a fact of life.

The temperatures did drop the day before we left and I understand that Florida crops are now in jeopardy due to the unexpected extreme cold they're now dealing with. I hope there is no major loss of that wonderful produce for which Florida is so well known. We came away with grapefruit, oranges and lemons and look forward to enjoying them the coming weeks.

It has been an adjustment getting back to Kentucky just in time for winter to lay a beautiful blanket of snow over the entire area. Normally, I can spot my little white pooches out running about the yard. Now, however, they are creatively camouflaged with white on white. I'm just glad they enjoy the snow and get their exercise outside, even when I'm waiting patiently from a much warmer window location inside.

And, yes, it is oh so much closer to Christmas, now that we're back from our Florida getaway. Please don't tell me how much shopping you've accomplished, or about your completed Christmas decorating and all your other holiday accomplishments. Today, I'll be taking down the Thanksgiving decorations and starting on my list of Christmas cards and our Christmas gift giving list. I'm still trying to dwell on the true meaning of the season and trying not to get stressed out over what all there is yet to do, even though I know it's a lot.

I picked up a Rick Warren book at Wal-Mart yesterday to help remind me about what to truly focus on this season. As the author of The Purpose Driven Life, I know I can count on him to help guide me through the season, just as The Purpose Driven Life helps guide me through my life.

On the news this morning, I see that Elizabeth Edwards is nearing the end of her journey here on earth. She has had to face so much adversity during her time here, I hope she has a strong faith in God as she nears this inevitable transition. Before the recent political campaign with her husband and his eventual fall from grace, due to his poor choices, they were faced with their most difficult challenge in their lives, the loss of a child. I am convinced this is the absolute hardest experience one can face in life. Seeing it second hand, I can only imagine the pain it must be each and every day, after losing a baby, whether it is an infant or an adult. God knows the pain all too well, as He lost His son on the cross. It couldn't have been any less painful for Him, than it is for any of us, when this unbearable loss comes into our lives. It is only through His wonderful promise of eternal life, through His son, that we are able to overcome such pain and know that we will see our cherished children again in heaven. I pray that Elizabeth knows this for a fact and that she is getting ever so close to reuniting with, not only her lost son, but also, the son of God as well.

I think I mentioned before that there are now four horses in the field across the street from our house. The two newer horses really perk up and pay attention when they see me come and go. I enjoy hollering and waving to them whenever I'm at the end of the driveway. I'm afraid I got carried away yesterday when I had the dogs out for a break. The horses came ambling across the field, as if in a parade. As they paraded across the field, they picked up speed and Riff and Roy went nuts. They ran across the front of the yard keeping in step with the horses across the road. Well, they didn't stop at the end of our yard and found their way through the fence at the neighbors driveway and continued over, across the road into the field. I'm sure the horses were delighted to experience their antics. I, however, was not amused and got the other three little white fuzzies into the house. By the time I ran back out, Riff and Roy were sitting by the driveway gate, not looking forward to their inevitable scolding. Thankfully, everyone got back safe and sound. I hope the horses enjoyed the excitement caused by the troublesome twosome.

I look forward to putting together my cards and dwelling on the reason for the season today. Between the snow covered landscape outside and the warmth of the fireplace inside, I won't have any trouble getting into the holiday spirit. I hope you find the holiday spirit as well. If you still haven't got it, it can be found in Luke 2:8-20 for starters. You have a great day. luv, Susan