Today is a Libby anniversary. It has been one year since we lost Dad Libby. He fell ill about the day after Christmas in 2013 and remained hospitalized for the next few weeks. For a while we really thought he would pull through, like he had many times before. We were so happy the day that he sat up and had some sherbert. It also seemed like a good sign that he was throwing pillows when he was having difficulty getting his point across to his caregivers. But, this was his last recovery, of sorts, and we received the phone call a year ago, today.
We had been there for a visit after Thanksgiving that year. I had a conversation with Dad about the book, Killing Jesus. He wanted to explain to me the general theme of the book about looking at the killing of Jesus like a death to be solved through present day methods. I wanted to use the opportunity to discuss his salvation. As I questioned him about his belief in Jesus and his acceptance of Christ as his savior, he got frustrated with me and simply stated, with emphasis, "Yes, I know all that, yes, I did that." To which I simply responded that was all I needed to hear from him, that he had accepted Jesus as his savior. We then talked about the book.
Now, today, we are still awaiting the arrival of our first grandbaby. My mom, sisters and I just got back from Illinois where we said goodbye to mom's younger sister, Mary Lou. We know for certainty that, she, too, accepted Jesus as her savior. I'm looking forward to seeing Dad Libby and Mary Lou in heaven when the time comes for me.
I hope you have a great day. Stay safe. love, Susan
Monday, January 12, 2015
Thursday, January 8, 2015
January 8, 2015 - Happy Birthday, Elvis!
I normally don't like change, just some sort of human nature of growing accustomed to the people, places and activities I've been used to and enjoying them each day. However, there is one change that has me just giddy with excitement and that's the soon to be ( we hope ) birth of my first grandbaby. And with this birth in my family, comes a death. My mom is one of six children born to Davie and Cressie Pope, a farmer and his wife who lived in Forsyth, Illinois. Their children included Betty Ann, Davie Jr., Mary Lou, Jean, Linda and Carol. We have been so blessed as a family to have had them all right up to a couple days ago when we lost our Aunt Mary Lou. We'll be heading home to be with family soon.
In the meantime, we are getting into the new routine for 2015. I had dinner with my friend, Marti, on Monday, as we meet monthly to get together with our former PHS classmates from the Class of 1974.Yesterday my sister, Pam, and I had our first Bible Study of the year. However, today I was not able to pick up my friends for our monthly homemakers meeting, due to the frigid weather conditions.
I really didn't like this weeks Bible Study on Leviticus. As an animal lover, the sacrificial system used by Moses and the Israelites, as they roamed in the desert, is very hard to take. But because God cannot be near sin and we, because of our sinful human nature are unable to resist sin, there needed to be sacrificial blood to cover our sins. Sacrifices were mandatory to cover and then remove our sins, so our loving God could dwell with us. We are reminded that nothing but blood( life ), can cover our sins( death ), that separate us from our God. When hands were laid on these innocent animals, usually bulls, goats, lambs or birds, by the sinner, the sin was transferred to them and they were then killed for the sinner to be forgiven each and every time sins took place.
We watched some old videos on Christmas Day. I think it was Christmas 1984 at my parent's home in Paris with all our family present. Seeing my mom and dad holding a two year old Dustin and a one year old Christina were really sweet memories. A previous Christmas, we had watched a video of Mark's Grandpa Weeks talking about his life. He had worked in his younger years at a stockyard/slaughterhouse with another young man and it was their job to kill animals. Listening to this gentle, loving man talk about specifically killing a bull, and at another time killing little lambs, took me to a very dark place. I never intend to watch that video again and I wish I could erase it from my memory, but I've not been able to do that.
My favorite parts of the Bible are the gospel stories about the birth of Baby Jesus in the stable, surrounded by the animals. Wednesday, after Bible Study, Pam and I went shopping at a Christian Bookstore because I needed a new angel to top my Christmas tree. The previous angel, after lighting the past 30 Christmases or so, had been developing burned holes in the plastic cone surrounding the white lights. Thankfully, her white satin gown never ignited, but it was time for a change. Not only did I find a new angel treetopper, but I'm embarrassed to say that I've increased my nativity collection by three new sets. I only select the ones that include all the stable animals. Not only will my new little Sixlibbyberry be surrounded by it's animated Christmas animals, but a lot of new nativity stable animals as well.
And, mostly today,as every day, I am so thankful to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for making His ultimate sacrifice on the cross to forgive us all for all our sins. Our sins are covered by His blood and we are forgiven because of Him, the perfect and innocent Lamb of God. The the shedding of the animals' blood is no longer necessary!
I want to wish Elvis a Happy 80th Birthday today. We welcomed in 2015 watching and listening to a documentary of one of his last tours. It was awesome! Priscilla and I both agree that if he had lived, he would have done so much more gospel music as he got older, Amen to that. The Libby family also welcomed a new little cousin for my little Sixlibbyberry. Congratulations to Steve, Carla, Steve Jr., and Andi upon the arrival of little Parker Steven. We'll have a great time in Maine this year for sure! Please stay safe and warm and have a blessed day. luv, Susan
In the meantime, we are getting into the new routine for 2015. I had dinner with my friend, Marti, on Monday, as we meet monthly to get together with our former PHS classmates from the Class of 1974.Yesterday my sister, Pam, and I had our first Bible Study of the year. However, today I was not able to pick up my friends for our monthly homemakers meeting, due to the frigid weather conditions.
I really didn't like this weeks Bible Study on Leviticus. As an animal lover, the sacrificial system used by Moses and the Israelites, as they roamed in the desert, is very hard to take. But because God cannot be near sin and we, because of our sinful human nature are unable to resist sin, there needed to be sacrificial blood to cover our sins. Sacrifices were mandatory to cover and then remove our sins, so our loving God could dwell with us. We are reminded that nothing but blood( life ), can cover our sins( death ), that separate us from our God. When hands were laid on these innocent animals, usually bulls, goats, lambs or birds, by the sinner, the sin was transferred to them and they were then killed for the sinner to be forgiven each and every time sins took place.
We watched some old videos on Christmas Day. I think it was Christmas 1984 at my parent's home in Paris with all our family present. Seeing my mom and dad holding a two year old Dustin and a one year old Christina were really sweet memories. A previous Christmas, we had watched a video of Mark's Grandpa Weeks talking about his life. He had worked in his younger years at a stockyard/slaughterhouse with another young man and it was their job to kill animals. Listening to this gentle, loving man talk about specifically killing a bull, and at another time killing little lambs, took me to a very dark place. I never intend to watch that video again and I wish I could erase it from my memory, but I've not been able to do that.
My favorite parts of the Bible are the gospel stories about the birth of Baby Jesus in the stable, surrounded by the animals. Wednesday, after Bible Study, Pam and I went shopping at a Christian Bookstore because I needed a new angel to top my Christmas tree. The previous angel, after lighting the past 30 Christmases or so, had been developing burned holes in the plastic cone surrounding the white lights. Thankfully, her white satin gown never ignited, but it was time for a change. Not only did I find a new angel treetopper, but I'm embarrassed to say that I've increased my nativity collection by three new sets. I only select the ones that include all the stable animals. Not only will my new little Sixlibbyberry be surrounded by it's animated Christmas animals, but a lot of new nativity stable animals as well.
And, mostly today,as every day, I am so thankful to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for making His ultimate sacrifice on the cross to forgive us all for all our sins. Our sins are covered by His blood and we are forgiven because of Him, the perfect and innocent Lamb of God. The the shedding of the animals' blood is no longer necessary!
I want to wish Elvis a Happy 80th Birthday today. We welcomed in 2015 watching and listening to a documentary of one of his last tours. It was awesome! Priscilla and I both agree that if he had lived, he would have done so much more gospel music as he got older, Amen to that. The Libby family also welcomed a new little cousin for my little Sixlibbyberry. Congratulations to Steve, Carla, Steve Jr., and Andi upon the arrival of little Parker Steven. We'll have a great time in Maine this year for sure! Please stay safe and warm and have a blessed day. luv, Susan
Friday, January 2, 2015
My Day After Christmas Miracle
Yesterday was the first day of the new year. I thought as the day progressed and I hadn't heard back from Christina that possibly they were welcoming that new little sixlibbyberry into the world, but, no, they were just busy with their binge watching of Harry Potter movies. Today is the actual due date, but with a first baby, we really don't expect him/her to arrive yet, but I won't be separated from my phone, you can count on that.
Watching parades and football games yesterday, I pretty much let the whole day slip away without accomplishing much. Mark, on the other hand, managed to practically install an entire drop ceiling in our basement. Today I have prayed to not let that be the case today. Normally, I would be off to the Amen House, but we are closed, so hopefully, I'll have a list of things accomplished here at home. There's still so much to get done in preparation for the new baby. Also, there's all the decorations to put away and all the " new year responsibilities" that I have with my volunteer job at church.
It's gonna be sad putting away all the greenery and white lights that I spread throughout my house and the variety of nativities that I cherish. My newest nativity is a book and ornament that are interactive. As you read the book and push the appropriate pictures, the ornament lights up and the each animal of the stable tells it's part in helping Mary and Joseph on that holy night, as their little newborn enters the world. I actually have had this particular book and ornament for a couple years as I anticipated the birth of my first grandbaby.
After Christmas I also purchased some things for the baby's first Christmas which will be about a year away. My sister Pam had the cutest animated toy that she had purchased for one of their grandbabies. Because it terrified him, it still remained at their house Christmas day. It's a cute little white, fuzzy dog that has red antlers with jingle bells attached to them. Of course, when you turn it on it spins around excitedly shaking and playing Jingle Bells as it gyrates and jingles around. I knew that I had to have one of them for little SLB, so I asked where I could find one. She said she found it at Kroger, but was sure they were all gone.
The day after Christmas I met my sisters and my mom at Krogers to begin our day after Christmas shopping for bargains on Christmas paper and decorations. I didn't even look for the little dog there, but did get some paper and checked out their cards. After our traditional lunch and movie, I drove back to Georgetown where I stopped by our Kroger. I checked out the shelf with the stuffed animals and saw lots of bears and snowmen, but no little doggie. So, I again looked at the shelf and thought where would I be if I was the cutest little jingle bell doggie. So I looked lower and lower to the bottom shelf and looked back farther and farther, til I saw the fuzzy white fur sticking up among the white teddy bears on the bottom shelf. Yes, there it was, just sitting there waiting for me with it's red antlers and jingle bells. It was my day after Christmas miracle!
I now have to confess that I didn't stop there, but proceeded to Cracker Barrel where I found a cute animated Santa that moves his eyebrows while singing and a reindeer that shakes while it sings as well. And, at Wal-Mart I couldn't pass up the shivering polar bear that also comes with a book. So, for my little SLB baby for it's first Christmas I am prepared with four Christmas singing, jingling, shivering, shaking animals, two books, and an ornament. And, no, I do not intend to spoil this baby any more than any other grandmother would. I better go get something accomplished today. You have a great day, stay warm and safe. luv, Susan
Watching parades and football games yesterday, I pretty much let the whole day slip away without accomplishing much. Mark, on the other hand, managed to practically install an entire drop ceiling in our basement. Today I have prayed to not let that be the case today. Normally, I would be off to the Amen House, but we are closed, so hopefully, I'll have a list of things accomplished here at home. There's still so much to get done in preparation for the new baby. Also, there's all the decorations to put away and all the " new year responsibilities" that I have with my volunteer job at church.
It's gonna be sad putting away all the greenery and white lights that I spread throughout my house and the variety of nativities that I cherish. My newest nativity is a book and ornament that are interactive. As you read the book and push the appropriate pictures, the ornament lights up and the each animal of the stable tells it's part in helping Mary and Joseph on that holy night, as their little newborn enters the world. I actually have had this particular book and ornament for a couple years as I anticipated the birth of my first grandbaby.
After Christmas I also purchased some things for the baby's first Christmas which will be about a year away. My sister Pam had the cutest animated toy that she had purchased for one of their grandbabies. Because it terrified him, it still remained at their house Christmas day. It's a cute little white, fuzzy dog that has red antlers with jingle bells attached to them. Of course, when you turn it on it spins around excitedly shaking and playing Jingle Bells as it gyrates and jingles around. I knew that I had to have one of them for little SLB, so I asked where I could find one. She said she found it at Kroger, but was sure they were all gone.
The day after Christmas I met my sisters and my mom at Krogers to begin our day after Christmas shopping for bargains on Christmas paper and decorations. I didn't even look for the little dog there, but did get some paper and checked out their cards. After our traditional lunch and movie, I drove back to Georgetown where I stopped by our Kroger. I checked out the shelf with the stuffed animals and saw lots of bears and snowmen, but no little doggie. So, I again looked at the shelf and thought where would I be if I was the cutest little jingle bell doggie. So I looked lower and lower to the bottom shelf and looked back farther and farther, til I saw the fuzzy white fur sticking up among the white teddy bears on the bottom shelf. Yes, there it was, just sitting there waiting for me with it's red antlers and jingle bells. It was my day after Christmas miracle!
I now have to confess that I didn't stop there, but proceeded to Cracker Barrel where I found a cute animated Santa that moves his eyebrows while singing and a reindeer that shakes while it sings as well. And, at Wal-Mart I couldn't pass up the shivering polar bear that also comes with a book. So, for my little SLB baby for it's first Christmas I am prepared with four Christmas singing, jingling, shivering, shaking animals, two books, and an ornament. And, no, I do not intend to spoil this baby any more than any other grandmother would. I better go get something accomplished today. You have a great day, stay warm and safe. luv, Susan
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
HAVE A GREAT NEW YEAR ( The Great Flood Of 2014 )
I go back and forth as to whether I should continue my attempts at an encouraging and uplifting Christian blog. Originally, I wanted to feel still connected to those I left behind in Henderson, then I wanted desperately to reach my father-in-law in a manner that I felt uncomfortable with face to face, and now, I suppose, it is to do what we have been commissioned to do in Matthew 28:18-20. I don't exactly consider myself as one of the twelve disciples, but I believe that my part is to plant seeds and water or nurture those seeds that have already been planted in the hearts of others. So, I guess I'll carry on.
We had what my daughter stated as the end of an era here at our house a couple weeks ago. Our water bed that we've slept on for the past 36 years sprung a slow leak weeks ago which turned into an impending flood of sorts during the middle of the night last week. Mark, thinking that the waterbed mattress liner would contain the gallons of water that now filled each corner of the bed, said he would take care of it once he got home after work. I, also worry free, went off to the Amen House for my three hour shift that morning.
When I got home that afternoon, I checked on the bedroom and everything looked just as I had left it. The sheets and bedding had all been stripped and the heater had been unplugged, so I went on back downstairs to put away groceries and clean up the kitchen. Hours later, when I went back up, I noticed glistening coming from the corners of the bedliner and realized that the water level was actually coming up higher than the mattress itself. As I stepped closer to examine the situation, my foot touched down on squishy carpet. That's never good, so I, in full panic mode, called Mark with the update on our now code red level disaster.
He quickly learned that his confidence in the mattress liner was ill-conceived, as the water was leaking from several spots along the foot of the bed and saturating the carpet. He gave me the step-by-step instructions for draining the bed mattress with the water hose out front and then it was my responsibility to reverse this impending deluge.
The dogs thought it rather fun following me up and down the stairs and in and out the open front door as I ran up and down and in and out with the hose, and turning on the water, which seemed counter productive at this point, but eventually, I could see and hear the water from the bed liner draining down the hill in front of our house. Eventually, I had to do the steps again as I actually attached the hose to the mattress itself, as,it too, began draining and I could then go about sopping up the water from our squishy carpets and continually checking the ceilings that are beneath our bedroom.
I am guilty of an "I told you so" of sorts for Mark, as I had suggested changing from our waterbed mattress to the traditional bed mattress we brought back from Mom and Dad Libby's guest bedroom. He told me it wouldn't fit into the bedframe and that was the end of that.......until the day of the flood. Evidently, the bedframe needed only minor adjustments and the new, kinda, mattress fit just fine. Mark even thought that I may have actually sabatoged our bed in order to get my way, but of course, I would never do such a thing. It is nice to be sleeping on this new mattress, though, I will admit to that.
We had what my daughter stated as the end of an era here at our house a couple weeks ago. Our water bed that we've slept on for the past 36 years sprung a slow leak weeks ago which turned into an impending flood of sorts during the middle of the night last week. Mark, thinking that the waterbed mattress liner would contain the gallons of water that now filled each corner of the bed, said he would take care of it once he got home after work. I, also worry free, went off to the Amen House for my three hour shift that morning.
When I got home that afternoon, I checked on the bedroom and everything looked just as I had left it. The sheets and bedding had all been stripped and the heater had been unplugged, so I went on back downstairs to put away groceries and clean up the kitchen. Hours later, when I went back up, I noticed glistening coming from the corners of the bedliner and realized that the water level was actually coming up higher than the mattress itself. As I stepped closer to examine the situation, my foot touched down on squishy carpet. That's never good, so I, in full panic mode, called Mark with the update on our now code red level disaster.
He quickly learned that his confidence in the mattress liner was ill-conceived, as the water was leaking from several spots along the foot of the bed and saturating the carpet. He gave me the step-by-step instructions for draining the bed mattress with the water hose out front and then it was my responsibility to reverse this impending deluge.
The dogs thought it rather fun following me up and down the stairs and in and out the open front door as I ran up and down and in and out with the hose, and turning on the water, which seemed counter productive at this point, but eventually, I could see and hear the water from the bed liner draining down the hill in front of our house. Eventually, I had to do the steps again as I actually attached the hose to the mattress itself, as,it too, began draining and I could then go about sopping up the water from our squishy carpets and continually checking the ceilings that are beneath our bedroom.
I am guilty of an "I told you so" of sorts for Mark, as I had suggested changing from our waterbed mattress to the traditional bed mattress we brought back from Mom and Dad Libby's guest bedroom. He told me it wouldn't fit into the bedframe and that was the end of that.......until the day of the flood. Evidently, the bedframe needed only minor adjustments and the new, kinda, mattress fit just fine. Mark even thought that I may have actually sabatoged our bed in order to get my way, but of course, I would never do such a thing. It is nice to be sleeping on this new mattress, though, I will admit to that.
As for New Year's resolutions, I again will resolve to try my best to be closer to God with each passing day. I know if I do that everything else will fall into place for the best life that I could possibly live. I'm open for whatever He has planned for me to do. I hope you have a wonderful New Year's Eve tonight and experience the most awesome 2015 possible. Stay safe, stay warm and have a great day. luv, Susan
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
MY CHRISTMAS WISH FOR YOU
Christmas Eve, it's here and, as usual, I'm not ready. I've known all along that it was coming and I've tried my best to get ready, but I'm feeling very overwhelmed right now. I did get the cards sent out, the house is decorated and I've baked and delivered cookies to friends and neighbors. I went to the wonderful Christmas program at church, listened to the special music on the Christian Christmas music station and read all my devotions from my upper room leading up to tomorrow, but I'm still not feeling ready for tonight, tomorrow morning or the celebration of the awesome event that is being commemorated. I want to feel the peace that comes with knowing that I've done everything I could do to pass on the good news that we as Christians have been commissioned to do.
Every Christmas I feel such an overwhelming sense of "did I do enough" and "did I do too much" concerning gift buying and giving. In addition to that I always feel a sense of guilt receiving the gifts given to me, because I didn't feel deserving of them. I would rather my time and their time spent thinking of how Jesus lived his live as our role model. He spent time doing good, being good, loving, caring, teaching. He knew his time was limited on earth and he tried his best to show the word, to be the word so that we might all see and know how to be and what God is expecting of us.
Have I sent that message to my family, friends and neighbors? I ask every morning to be the hands and feet of Jesus, do I ever accomplish that? Tomorrow's upperroom reading is about nursing home residents. My thoughts and prayers have been and continue to be for my friends and family members who are in this very position. Mark lost his parents at the beginning of 2014 and his uncle just weeks ago. Did I do enough to let them know the wonderful news of our savior, who died for us? I'm overwhelmed right now. Have I done enough? Have I done too much?
Dear Lord, please give me the peace that comes with knowing that I've tried to do what you've wanted from me each day, especially this time of year. As I welcome my first grandchild in the new year, I can't even imagine how I'll feel when I hold this new life. As with my children and all my family, friends and neighbors, I'll want this little life to know about Jesus. I want to do enough, yet not do too much. Not everyone wants to be told the good news. It's a weird world we live in.
My Christmas wish for you is that you've done enough this Christmas to have the peace that passes all understanding in your hearts. I think I'm feeling better. Have a wonderful Christmas Eve and a blessed Christmas tomorrow. Stay safe and warm. luv, Susan
Every Christmas I feel such an overwhelming sense of "did I do enough" and "did I do too much" concerning gift buying and giving. In addition to that I always feel a sense of guilt receiving the gifts given to me, because I didn't feel deserving of them. I would rather my time and their time spent thinking of how Jesus lived his live as our role model. He spent time doing good, being good, loving, caring, teaching. He knew his time was limited on earth and he tried his best to show the word, to be the word so that we might all see and know how to be and what God is expecting of us.
Have I sent that message to my family, friends and neighbors? I ask every morning to be the hands and feet of Jesus, do I ever accomplish that? Tomorrow's upperroom reading is about nursing home residents. My thoughts and prayers have been and continue to be for my friends and family members who are in this very position. Mark lost his parents at the beginning of 2014 and his uncle just weeks ago. Did I do enough to let them know the wonderful news of our savior, who died for us? I'm overwhelmed right now. Have I done enough? Have I done too much?
Dear Lord, please give me the peace that comes with knowing that I've tried to do what you've wanted from me each day, especially this time of year. As I welcome my first grandchild in the new year, I can't even imagine how I'll feel when I hold this new life. As with my children and all my family, friends and neighbors, I'll want this little life to know about Jesus. I want to do enough, yet not do too much. Not everyone wants to be told the good news. It's a weird world we live in.
My Christmas wish for you is that you've done enough this Christmas to have the peace that passes all understanding in your hearts. I think I'm feeling better. Have a wonderful Christmas Eve and a blessed Christmas tomorrow. Stay safe and warm. luv, Susan
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Checking Off My Christmas To-Do List
This week is arranged a little differently for me. Because there is no Bible Study on Wednesdays, I'm able to blog today. I couldn't yesterday because I was out Christmas shopping with my mom and sisters. We had a really fun day, they are great company and fun to be around. Now, if I could just make my Christmas shopping list, I could start figuring out how I'm doing.
One thing that is accomplished for the most part is my card writing and sending. I originally thought that four boxes would be plenty, so when I found a card I really liked at Wal-Mart in November, I bought them. But after sending all those out, it was time for a refill. I headed back to Wally World last week looking for the same card, but expecting it to be all gone.....I was right on that count. I remember seeing another one I liked as well, so I'd try to find it. After I went through all the "inspirational" card boxes that could be reached, I looked up to the top shelf and, of course, there was another box, just out of my reach. I could barely get my fingers on it as I pushed it gingerly from side to side, as I stood on my tippy toes. I had finally been able to ascertain the fronts of three of the four rows of cards from my vantage point, but just needed to see that front box on the inside right row. Just as I almost could see it, the whole box came down on me, sending boxes of inspirational cards all over the ,thankfully, empty aisle. As the Wal-Mart clerk came to help and see if I was okay, I told her that I was and that I'd get it all back together, no help from her was necessary. And as I got a good look at the final card that I was trying to see, I told her that I found just what I was looking for, to which she responded, "well, I'm glad of that". It is a beautiful card with a perfectly inspirational message for those who receive it.
It's time for me to finish up my decorating, do some laundry, some cleaning and then bake some more cookies for tonight's Christmas Program at church. It is so wonderful to have my little country church just up the road. Just minutes to get there and minutes to get back home.
I hope you're getting everything checked off your Christmas To-Do List. And take some advice, if you see something you need on the top shelf at the store, ask for help. Stay safe, stay warm and have a great day! luv, Susan
One thing that is accomplished for the most part is my card writing and sending. I originally thought that four boxes would be plenty, so when I found a card I really liked at Wal-Mart in November, I bought them. But after sending all those out, it was time for a refill. I headed back to Wally World last week looking for the same card, but expecting it to be all gone.....I was right on that count. I remember seeing another one I liked as well, so I'd try to find it. After I went through all the "inspirational" card boxes that could be reached, I looked up to the top shelf and, of course, there was another box, just out of my reach. I could barely get my fingers on it as I pushed it gingerly from side to side, as I stood on my tippy toes. I had finally been able to ascertain the fronts of three of the four rows of cards from my vantage point, but just needed to see that front box on the inside right row. Just as I almost could see it, the whole box came down on me, sending boxes of inspirational cards all over the ,thankfully, empty aisle. As the Wal-Mart clerk came to help and see if I was okay, I told her that I was and that I'd get it all back together, no help from her was necessary. And as I got a good look at the final card that I was trying to see, I told her that I found just what I was looking for, to which she responded, "well, I'm glad of that". It is a beautiful card with a perfectly inspirational message for those who receive it.
It's time for me to finish up my decorating, do some laundry, some cleaning and then bake some more cookies for tonight's Christmas Program at church. It is so wonderful to have my little country church just up the road. Just minutes to get there and minutes to get back home.
I hope you're getting everything checked off your Christmas To-Do List. And take some advice, if you see something you need on the top shelf at the store, ask for help. Stay safe, stay warm and have a great day! luv, Susan
Thursday, December 11, 2014
CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
We all have our Christmas traditions. I am smack dab in the middle of trying to carry out the majority of mine before too many more days pass. I've dragged out the little artificial tree covered with colored lights from the back bedroom, where it sits covered in a corner year round. My mom helped me decorate it on Saturday with all the little Hallmark and glass ornaments that we can fit on it. The patchwork Christmas tree skirt is from my Grandma Sims. She gave one to my mom, my sisters and me. I like to sit lots of little stuffed animals under the tree. This little tree sits atop a table that is also covered by a red plastic tablecloth that used to drop all the way to the floor. This year, however, I told my mom that we'd position it so it would be several inches or more from the tile beneath it. Because, apparently, my dogs' Christmas tradition is to pee on this red tablecloth every year. Yes, I still have trouble with my little male doggies leaving their little accidents here and there, although I know they're done on purpose. I guess it has something to do with the tree sitting atop the table and the confusion with dogs and trees outdoors....oh well. I'll keep working on it, cause it's one tradition I'd like to see ended.
I just listened to a really beautiful song by a group called 4 Him, called A Strange Way To Save The World. I'm not sure how long it's been out, but it's one of my favorites that tells the Christmas story from Joseph's perspective. He's asking God why he is trying to save the world by sending a savior in such a strange way. I'm sure there are many through the years that have wondered this same thing. I'm just glad that 4 Him decided to put it out there for us in an awesome song.
Yesterday was the last BSF Study until after the New Year. Pam and I won't know what to do with all that extra time. I expect that once Christina has our little Sixlibbyberry, I won't have a lot of extra time, but that has not all been determined as of yet.
I've always stressed that one of the reasons that I blog is to try to keep in touch with family, friends and neighbors that I've left behind. So, you'd find it interesting to know that I lost touch with a very special friend some 19-20 years ago. I'm happy to report that I was finally able to find my friend, Debi's long lost address hidden away in a box of desk stuff that still needed to be sorted through. We had the most fun conversation Tuesday and I'm looking forward to possibly visiting with her sometime over the holidays.
I am so thankful that it is a beautiful, yet chilly, sunny day. And I really need to get busy with completing two of my other Christmas traditions, getting my nativity scenes out as part of my decorating and getting my cards ready to send. I'm really looking forward to sharing our news about the soon to come addition to our family in our cards. I also have the picture from our silly Thanksgiving picture that Christina posted on facebook. And I also have to go clean up some doggie traditions as well. You have a great day, stay safe and warm. luv, Susan
I just listened to a really beautiful song by a group called 4 Him, called A Strange Way To Save The World. I'm not sure how long it's been out, but it's one of my favorites that tells the Christmas story from Joseph's perspective. He's asking God why he is trying to save the world by sending a savior in such a strange way. I'm sure there are many through the years that have wondered this same thing. I'm just glad that 4 Him decided to put it out there for us in an awesome song.
Yesterday was the last BSF Study until after the New Year. Pam and I won't know what to do with all that extra time. I expect that once Christina has our little Sixlibbyberry, I won't have a lot of extra time, but that has not all been determined as of yet.
I've always stressed that one of the reasons that I blog is to try to keep in touch with family, friends and neighbors that I've left behind. So, you'd find it interesting to know that I lost touch with a very special friend some 19-20 years ago. I'm happy to report that I was finally able to find my friend, Debi's long lost address hidden away in a box of desk stuff that still needed to be sorted through. We had the most fun conversation Tuesday and I'm looking forward to possibly visiting with her sometime over the holidays.
I am so thankful that it is a beautiful, yet chilly, sunny day. And I really need to get busy with completing two of my other Christmas traditions, getting my nativity scenes out as part of my decorating and getting my cards ready to send. I'm really looking forward to sharing our news about the soon to come addition to our family in our cards. I also have the picture from our silly Thanksgiving picture that Christina posted on facebook. And I also have to go clean up some doggie traditions as well. You have a great day, stay safe and warm. luv, Susan
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