The First Day of Advent 2009...

Today is the first Sunday of Advent, Christian's celebrating the remembrance, the promise and birth of the Christ child...

I started celebrating advent a few years ago because I wanted to make Christmas more spiritual along with all the celebrating, gift giving and the parties that we would participate in. It is something that I really look forward to each year. I want to share how I feel about Advent with you...

"Advent, Advent the little light burns,

First one, then two, then three, then four,

Then the Christ child at the door."
-unknown

The lighting of the first candle, of hope, is in the anticipation of Christ birth...

I was thinking of this old hymn, O Come O come Emanuel. I had to do a search for it, since it wasn't in any of the hymnals that I have, but it tells the story.

Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emanuel
-unknown

1. Oh, come, Oh, come, Emanuel, And ransom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

2. Oh, come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan's tyranny; From depths of hell Thy people save And give them victory o'er the grave. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

3. Oh, come, Thou Dayspring from on high, And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night And death's dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

4. Oh, come, Thou Key of David, come And open wide our heavenly home: Make safe the way that leads on high And close the path to misery. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

Be Thankful & Bless God's Name...

The Thanksgiving season is coming to an end on the calendar, but in truth daily, we can praise God, be thankful and bless his name. I am thankful for so many of God's blessings on me, but I think the last verse of this psalm pretty much sums it up...

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations."

-Psalm 100

Counting Our Blessings...

We are at the time of year, where we set aside a day of Thanksgiving and we are counting our blessings. Lots of our family and friends are traveling, we're gathering together and sharing our love and blessings.

This is and old song, but new for today...

Count Your Blessings

When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done!

Chorus:

Count your blessings, Name them one by one;

Count your blessings, See what God hath done;

Count your blessings, Name them one by one;

Count your many blessings, See what God hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,

And you will be singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,

Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;

Count your many blessing, money cannot buy,

Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,

Do not be discouraged, God is over all;

Count your many blessings, angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

Some of God's Blessings on Us...

All around us we see sad faces of people who are unemployed or struggling to make ends meet. Sometimes, we fail to see the good that God has blessed us with. This song has been going through my mind all day. I'm am so blessed!

As the world looks upon me, as I struggle along
They say I have nothing,
but they are all wrong.
In my heart I'm rejoicing, though
this world may not see...
I thank you Lord for
your blessings on me...

There's a roof up above me,
I've a good place to sleep,
There's food on my table,
and shoes on my feet...
You gave me your Love Lord
and a fine family,
I thank you Lord for your
blessings on me...

Well, you know I'm not wealthy,
and these clothes are not new,
I don't have much money,
but Lord I have You...
And to me that's all matters
though the world may not see,
I thank you Lord for your
blessings on me.

-unknown

Have a blessed Thanksgiving Season !

Do Not Call Registry...

Today, I signed up for the do not call registry. They are releasing cell phone numbers to the public and I'm already bombarded with phone calls at my home phone. If I want to be called, I'll give my number or business card out.

Sometimes, enough is enough. Most cell phone users, that I know, don't have free incoming calls, so this is important information. Call 1-888-382-1222 or email.

"Hopefully, I was able to help someone with this information."

Connie

Remembering Our Veterans ...

Remembering Our Veterans on this Veterans Day, the hero's of America. Thank you for keeping us safe and giving us freedom. We appreciate your sacrifice.


Today, while we are praying for our servicemen, we need to remember our country. Freedom comes with a price. We can back our servicemen with prayer and we can pray for our country.

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." II Chronicles 7:13-14

Thank you so much veterans, we really appreciate your sacrifice!

Veteran's Tribute...
All Gave Some, Some Gave All -by Billy Ray Cyrus

Happy Birthday Dad & Ted

We celebrated dad and Ted's birthday with a birthday dinner at my parents. Dad is "48" and Ted is 52. Can you figure that one out? Oh, yes, dad is actually "84" but in real life, he may act more like someone 48. He keeps going and going.

Happy Birthday!

A Busy Week...

Wow, what a busy week... It just seems like it has been go, go, go. I've been working on some time consuming projects, voted, visited my parents and went to Sophia's birthday dinner.

Just think, the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are just around the corner and then we will really know busy. The neat thing about the holidays is that we wouldn't want it any other way. We love to decorate, cook and prepare for two the the best celebrated seasons of the year.

Well, just a few of my thoughts ...