Blessings to you on this blessed Christmas day

. . . as we celebrate the birth of our Savior and Lord. His love is amazing. My day is being spent, in most part, with the dogs. I did have a morning breakfast with my good friend, Ruthie. Then I spent an hour or so with my friend, Bonnie, who is in a medical Rehab/Treatment facility. I look forward to having a full-fledged home cooked Indian meal with my dear friends, Pam & Bob, along with Ginny and Karen. Although my family is scattered at Christmas time, friends are near at hand. God is good. Be blessed!

Let It Snow?

Oh no! They are getting record breaking snow in California, and it is headed east. Remember last winter? Even that was a tip of the iceberg compared to the blizzard we had - let's see -- I think it was in 1994 or thereabouts. I lived elsewhere then. It seemed that I spent as much time on my roof as I did on the ground. Talk about leaks. When the melting came, my house became an indoor water rink. It was indeed interesting as my furniture got moved around like checkers on a board to avoid the drips. The bottom line? Please, Lord, don't let us become another California scenario.
Last year, I shoveled paths for the dogs to plow through. When the wind blew, the paths became tunnels! I kid you not. The top of each path blew shut, but the bottom remained open. I couldn't have done that had I tried. My neighbors thought I was a very clever snow-crafter. The tunnels were more creative than their snow men. This winter I'd rather settle for a simple "dusting" that my broom could handle.
How about you?

The happy blogger -- I think

I was supposed to come up with something for the Agape fellowship dinner on Sunday. (Lord, why is it that the pastor just won’t take No for an answer? What is it about NO that she doesn’t understand?) I never know what to say at these things. Well, maybe if I worked on a BLOG, something would come to me. OK, what could I write? The BLOG had nothing to do with the church, or the fellowship dinner. Oh well. So be it. I’d been thinking about cleaning out the accumulated clutter in the house. I do that at the beginning of each year. I’d BLOG about that. Somebody should be able to connect with that. OK, here goes.


Cleaning Out Clutter

A new year is soon upon us – a new start! I know what I’ll do. I’ll begin by cleaning out clutter. I’ll start with the closeted clothing that hasn’t been worn for too many years to count. Frowning, I leaf through hangers. (Listen in on a conversation that I have with myself).

“That one?” (But it was a favorite.)

“Well then, why haven’t you worn it for twenty years?” (OK, out it goes)

“What about that antique?” (Well, it might come back in style again – they always do. Look how I got rid of those nice velour sets and now they’re the fashion).

“Well, what about that blouse? You’ve had it forever!” (Oh, I know everyone in church will recognize it . . . but I should be able to wear it soon, cuz the old timers are all dying off. . .). Certainly, I’m not an old timer yet.

***

At this point, the thought hits – is that a sign of old age or bad health – or both? Maybe neither. Was it just their time to go? Perhaps their purpose here had been fulfilled. Hmm. In my pursuit of purpose, it may be needful to concentrate on my thinking as well as my closet.

Does this New Year find me with new purpose – or perhaps new resources to fulfill an already defined goal? Is the pathway to that purpose the same as before? Or do I need to try another, perhaps less traveled road: One that has no familiar landmarks?

Do I anticipate new pathways with excitement? Or with dread? How will the meaning of my existence unfold throughout each month that lies ahead? Each week? Or even each day? At the close of any given day, will I find the answer to a deep heart cry – why am I here? Am I making a difference?

When I sit staring at a blank computer screen, will the words begin to flow from within, waiting for my mind to catch up? Will the awesome presence of God enhance my daily endeavors this year? Will each today contain bubbles of joy that spill out to lighten someone’s load and transform a frown into a smile? Or will a present or past grief or pain cloud the room with shadows? After all, I’ve lost so many dear friends these past few years. My loss was Your gain, Lord.

What purpose fills my hand for each today that lies before me? What melodies fill the atmosphere around my life?

Yes, Lord, I think I’ll get back to uncluttering (or is it decluttering?) Whatever – Like Hezekiah, I’ll work at ridding out the rubbish from this temple (my life), inwardly as well as outwardly, so that hopefully, your purposes are playing their tunes in and through me throughout this year.

You’ve been speaking to my heart through this crazy BLOG thingee, Lord. Thanks. Guess I’ll end with a prayer:

Lord, give me the grace to allow You to fulfill Your purpose for me in the days ahead. Amen.

Sad news for us -- but rejoicing for them

On Thanksgiving Day, I was privileged to attend a special gathering at the home of George and Jan Cross. Jan had been battling cancer for about four years. Her family and some friends came to her bedside on this day to give thanks for His goodness. Pastor Mel Weaver and others led us in songs and thoughts from God's Word. It was truly a precious time at Jan's bedside. Three days later, Jan was welcomed into her heavenly home. Her memorial service was held the following Friday evening at Grace Chapel. It was a beautiful time of worship led by her family.

Jan had accompanied me to India on a missions trip in 1994. We had also worked together in several settings. She was one of my very dear friends, and even though we did not see one another often in more recent times, she will be missed.  One of my most impressive memories of Jan is the day she had completely severed an index finger with a power saw. She scooped it up, drove herself to the hospital, and told them, "sew it on, I'm a pianist." They did sew it on, but it was inoperative -- and yet Jan continued to play piano beautifully. What a gal.

That's not the end of the story. Just two days ago, I received a call from India. My good friend, Marian Butler, also joined the heavenly host. I'm sure she was surprised to find that Jan had gotten there first. Marian hosted us in India, and introduced us to many folks to pray with and arranged for us to minister in various churches. Marian and I loved the River of God. She visited the states on numerous occasions, and always cooked Indian curry for me when she came. In fact, Marian taught me how to turn leftovers into a tasty curried feast. I'll miss her phone calls. She would say, "Hello, Sweetheart! This is Marian in India . . ."

Lord, thank You for memories so sweet........... and for gracing my life with their friendship.

We have a new howse mate . . .

and his name is Hershey. (Mom calls him Hershey kiss.) Hershey often comes to visit, when his mommy and auntie go owt for appointments and stuff. We offen go to his howse too. In fact, we have stayed there a lot, even for overnites, when Mom has gone away. Hershey seems to miss his own mommy, but we know he lykes us too. Mom sez we must pray for him so he duzn't get homesick. Will you pray for him too? I'm shure he'll apreesh -- appreshea -- apree ---- uh, be glad! I gess we need to pray for his mommy too cuz she is in the hosspittal.
Thank yu. Luv, Mitzi
PS - Daisy sez hi.

Photos of the great grand

Isn't he a charmer?

Giants in the land, part 2

I've learned that my greatest enemy is within. In part 1, I shared with you that Impatience is one of my foes. There is another culprit that shows up when I least expect it. Its name is Indecision. This rascal even tries to change my mind when it is decided. Of all the nerve! After it took me forever to decide in the first place. Indecision will have me change outfits on a Sunday morning, agonize over the choice of an item on the grocery shelf, ponder whether to go to the gym or peck the 'puter keys -- you've got the picture. Now, it's not wrong to consider options, but this giant of Indecision pops up when it really is not necessary. I'm praying, Lord, help me to allow your mind to function within me. I know my time will be better spent and therefor my days more productive for the kingdom of God.

I believe part of the secret to slaying the giant(s) within, is to name it, and then apply the Word of God to it. I've found that the sword of the Spirit will cut it off when I use it. I must confess that most of the time I don't realize that Indecision has slipped in. So perhaps I first need to pray for the Holy Spirit to signal me at the first sign of a quandry over a choice.

Any suggestions?