A New Year

I for one love Christmas, and all that goes with it. But, I am glad that it is behind us and we are on to new things. I hope for some kind of normalcy, as if any of us would know what normal means.

I am looking forward to a new year, new things and new adventures and most importantly new walks and talks with the Lord. It is a time to look back and see how to do things differently, a time to remember those we love. But, it is also I a time to look forward to those we love, and to have new hopes and dreams and to put some things of 2009 behind us and move forward.(I know, easier said than done)

For me, 2010 holds another birthday before to long, it holds a 30th year anniversary for the hubs and me. Our daughter will be 28, I'm not even that old or I don't feel like it, and our son will be 25. WOW, where did all those years go with the children. My how those years flew by. This year Alan and I are going to Israel, a trip that we have wanted to take for more than 20 years although I am getting a bit nervous and excited. My husband is performing a wedding at the beach this year in July and the whole family gets to tag along for a family vacation for a whole week.(Fun, fun, fun in the sun, but with sunscreen especially for the hubs, the daughter, the daughter in law and the grandson, they are all super sensitive to the sun).

And in just a few weeks we will be having a ladies conference at out church with Ms. Carol Kent, as our keynote speaker. I have been praying about being involved in a ladies conference for a couple of years, and not only attending them.

Well, as this year closes and another opens up I want to be found serving the Lord in a closer relationship with Him than in 2009, how about you?

Joan

The Birth of a Saviour

Luke 2

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
(As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

Merry Christmas
Joan

Wish You Were Here

AS Christmas is drawing near and the hustle and bustle of the season is definitely upon us all. WE are all about out of time and what it going to get done is about done.I will have to say that I am almost ready, baking, cooking almost done, presents are all wrapped, only a few small things left to do. Our immediate family will have Christmas tomorrow night after church(the kids,their spouses and the grandson). We usually go early to make it easier on the children and their families since their are so many places to go. However, I do miss not getting to spend all day with them on Christmas, they have families of their own, and other obligations. My selfish time with them has come and gone, but that is the way it is suppose to be.(Parents if you have under age children in your home, slow down and enjoy those moments, they will not last near long enough, and without small children in the home Christmas is different).

As Clayton and I finished up some shopping today, I could not help but think of those I love and hold dear to me that I wish were here. Whether it be miles, and miles of distance between us, or whether they have gone on to be with the Lord, there are many that I wish were here and I could spend Christmas with them.

My younger brother in Oklahoma and his family, I wish they were here and not there.(Oh, how I miss him) My older brother in Florida, I have not seen him in many years, I would like to know he is okay, warm, feed and that he feels loved this Christmas season. I wish he were here and not there. My oldest brother in Wyoming, I wish he were here and not there so we could chat a bit about noting, we seem to keep missing one another when either one of us are in the area.

Pap, my granddad, has gone on to be with the Lord. He was saved 3 weeks before he died at the age of 84(Amazing). I still miss you and think of you often, and would love to introduce to the rest of my family, and set and talk for hours. And there have been church family and friends that are with the Lord that I wish were here.

But most of all "Johanna" I wish you were here. I know your Christmas is the best of all, you are with the Christ of Christmas. But I wish you were here. You would have dresses, pj's and more clothes under the tree. Most definitely there would have been a baby doll and some more toys to go with them. And I would probably have started buying you the Holiday Barbie every year to keep and not play with.(That would have been mine and your Christmas tradition).I wish you were here, but I know Gods thoughts are not my thoughts and Gods ways are not my ways.

So, take a few moments this Christmas to reflect on those that you love, whether they are here, there, or with Christ. One day we that are born again will all be together in eternity with the Christ of Christmas.(What a day that will be)

Merry Christmas
Joan

How Long ...

Have you ever wondered how long the storm will last and will it ever pass. I must say that I have and I do. Yesterday was a day at home due to the snowfall in our area. It was kind of a lazy day with the hubs. But I did read over in Psalms 13 several times and found myself asking God How Long...

I don't think it matters what the storm is. For some it may be cancer, or cancer of a spouse, or it may be a storm of finances, or it could be difficulty in a marriage, or family difficulties, or a storm at work. I think the list could go on and on. And what is one persons storm may not be for another one. But as I thinking about and asking God "How Long" for this or for that... He showed me that it does no matter the "How Long" and that is not to be important for me to know, that is HIS to know. He begin to show me that the key is in the latter part of Psalm 13.

Psalms 13:5-6
But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.

So no matter what I am going through or you are going through the answer is in these verses and how long we go through anything really does not matter because we are a child of God, and I can rejoice in that. Really that is enough to Praise Him for from now throughout all eternity.

In, With and Through Christ
Joan

Snowstorm

We are a blanket of white here in Lenoir, NC. I normally love the snow, and everything that goes with it. It is always so calm, so quiet, so peaceful and ever so beautiful. However, we made the decision to try and make it home early from vacation since a snow storm of the century was coming. We are home after much difficulty. WE got home late last night. However, I will leave all the snow stories I have out and I must say I may never look at snow the same. Enjoy the white if you have it at your house.

In, With and Through Christ
Joan

The Lighthouse

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse


Today, we got out and roamed around the Outer Banks. We went to the Wright Memorial/Museum and saw where the first airplane flew and how long and how far. It was interesting to see. We ventured on to see some of the lighthouses on the coast.

First, we saw the Bodie Lighthouse in Nags Head. As I was viewing the lighthouse I could not help but think about Jesus being the light of the world. We went on to see the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and viewed it and took pictures of them both. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was my favorite and the one to me that was the most awesome I stood there in awe of the Lighthouse and its significance and what it meant and stood for. I read that climbing this Lighthouses is like climbing a 12 story building. Since it is winter time, you can not climb any of the Lighthouses, and that we are thankful for. Afterwards we finally got to walk on the beach and pick up shells(where we are staying the beach is not accessible at all due to a storm that recently has come through).

But, I'm still thinking of Jesus being the light of the world as this scripture states.

John 8:12
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
or
John 9:5
As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest in the nation, the light can be seen for more than 20 miles out to sea, and has warned sailors for more than 100 years of dangers. Sounds like someone I know.

Jesus is the tallest, biggest, strongest one I know. His light can be seen all around the world, and He has been warning people of the dangers of hell and a life without Him for many, many, many years.

I am thankful that Jesus is my light and is showing me the way through this life until I can forever be with HIM.

Joan

The Little Red Coat

Last night, I received an email and pictures of my little angel in another state that had received her presents. I was not able to go with some of the fine folks at our church that delivered the presents. But they did take pictures for me, and let me know that my little angel would not take off her coat when they put it on her for pictures. The pictures were so precious, so very precious of a 2 year old little girl and her coat. It was what this "Gram" needed to see. Even though I still miss not getting to spoil Johanna this Christmas or ever, I am thankful that there is a little girl that has a new little red coat tonight to keep her warm this winter.

In, With and Through Christ
Joan

He's Still Working On Me and The Little Red Coat

Christmas is almost here and I am almost done shopping. Well I have a couple of things left to do. For the last couple of years Alan and I take a week immediately before Christmas and get out of town and I like to get my shopping done before we leave.(Life is super busy, and we are ready for a break) But I have really enjoyed shopping this year with Nikki while she has been out of work, the last month I think we have shopped a day every week. It has been a blast and we have couponed together bought presents for some Angel gifts, bought Christmas presents for the family, ate out, laughed and had fun with Clayton. Poor guy he gets to go with us.

Yesterday, as we were shopping I decided I needed to pick up a couple of more things for my last angel little girl, that will be delivered out of state tomorrow. I bought her a coat last year and decided I needed to do this again this year. I found the prettiest RED Pea Coat at Target, well within my budget, and the right size. I had to have it for her.(I have never met my little angel, but I want her to have plenty for Christmas, and I am satisfied that she does now).

I must confess, I wanted to keep the little red coat. When I got it ready for wrapping last night I found myself crying wanting to give it to Johanna. (I know Johanna knows all about Christmas and I picture her sitting on Jesus' knee for Christmas and knowing more than any of us ever do about Him)But I wish my granddaughter was here with us this year. All the toys and dresses, I have seen this year I would have purchased for the angels anyway, but I would have also purchased some for Johanna and went way overboard on her as I did Clayton last year. And then I would have had to get Clayton more things. (It's a Gram thing, I know).

But, He's still working on me, so I give the little red coat to my angel in another state to wear and keep warm as I look forward to the day we can see Johanna again. So, He's still working on me through the little red coat.

In, With and Through Christ
Joan

Just 1

As I was setting in the doctors office this morning waiting for my appointment I decided to make use of the time and do some Bible reading. I got to read quiet a bit while I waited, and waited, and waited. I ran across the scripture below and it reminded me that God is God and there is no other.(Buddha, Muhammad, Joseph Smith, etc, are not God, they may be godsThere is only 1 True and Living God.


Isaiah 45: 5-12
I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it. Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands? Woe unto him that saith unto his father, What begettest thou? or to the woman, What hast thou brought forth? Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me. I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.

God tells us here that he formed the light,the darkness,He made peace, and created evil,created man, He has stretched out the heavens. And we could go on and on. Is this not enough evidence there is a God, 1 true and living God.

But, I went on to search and see other scriptures to see if there were anymore that stated this. Little did I know that there were many that remind us that there is only 1 God. I am going to let you go look up most of the scriptures for yourself. I remember things better if I do them myself. This is only a few of the scriptures I found, there are many, many more.

Exodus 8:10
And he said, To morrow. And he said, Be it according to thy word: that thou mayest know that there is none like unto the LORD our God.

Deuteronomy 4:35
Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him.

Deuteronomy 4:39
Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else

2 Samuel 7:22
Wherefore thou art great, O LORD God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

And there are many more this is just a few to get you started.

2 Samuel 22:32,
1 Kings 8:60,
1 Chronicles 17:20,
Nehemiah 9:6,
Isaiah 37:20,
Isaiah 43:10,
Isaiah 44:6,
John 10:30,
Romans 3:30,

It is kinda like God is trying to tell us that He and He alone is the only God. I'm glad I know HIM, how about you?

In, With and Through Christ
Joan

Dec 1

It is hard to believe that today is the 1st day of December. That means Christmas is near. Where has the year gone. My thought is that life is really just a vapor, here today gone tomorrow.

James 4:14
Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

Psalms 144:4
Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away

As I set here I wonder have I done all I could have or should have for the Lord. I am afraid I must say I think not. How about you?

Lord, please forgive me, and help me live today and each day to the fullest for you. Because there will a day that my time here on earth is done, and I want to live and do all I can for you while I am here. You have redeemed me and bought me with a price, and my life is yours, NOT MINE.

In, With, and Through Christ
Joan