Tonight, we will start to open our hearts

to the Miracle that happened many years ago

in Bethlehem

and tomorrow we will celebrate

the reason for Christmas!

Have a very blessed Christmas!

Christmas Week...

What a beautiful way to start Christmas week... beautiful white snow. I love the peaceful look of softly drifting snow. It is a winter wonderland.

I have always loved this poem by Robert Frost. He came to visit our class about fifty years ago when I was in grade school. I remember him being this little white haired man. At the time it was insignificant to me, but in later years when I realized who he was, it was a fond memory.

Stopping By The Woods On A Snowy Evening

By Robert Frost 1923

Whose woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village though.

He will not see me stopping here

To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse near

Between the woods and frozen lake

The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake.

The only other sounds a sweep

Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

And miles to go before I sleep.

Our 41st Wedding Anniversary...

Today is our 41st wedding anniversary. Happy Anniversary to my dear hubby!

The Fourth Sunday of Advent...

Today, we celebrate the fourth Sunday of Advent. The candle that we light today represents peace. (All the purple candles and the pink candle are lit.) We can thank God for His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, who is the Prince of Peace.

"For unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

-Isaiah 9:6

Let It Snow...

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...

I love it... it is so beautiful outside. I've got the animals fed and watered and the front walk shoveled, so I don't have to go out anymore today. I can just watch it snow. The beautiful peaceful snow!

Hopefully, you can be inside and enjoy the beauty of the day also.

The Fun of Christmas Shopping...

Most of my Christmas shopping has been done for weeks. No credit card gift purchases, and what I've used them for, I've paid off right away. This will definitely be a simple Christmas, but I'm pleased.

I'm glad my mother taught me how to buy for Christmas. Usually, it was an all year thing with a cedar chest or cabinet storage involved. Mom can still sniff out a good sale at almost 80. Same way with the pantry, but that's another story. I'm so grateful for such a good mom.

I really enjoy Christmas... Advent, parties, family, friends, love and giving. It is just what Jesus taught us... love and giving!

Happy Birthday Merrill...

Happy Birthday to my hubby! His age... now that's the question!

Here's wishing you love, happiness, health and a successfully great year!

Faith, Hope & Love...

"...and now these three remain. Faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
I Corinthians 13:13

I love celebrating advent during this Christmas season. Many years ago, I started using an advent calendar. Then I added the advent candles. Celebrating Advent makes Christmas so much more special and giving so much more meaningful. I was thinking of this scripture which describes parts of our advent celebration and this song that I came to mind that I want to share with you today.

Love Came Down At Christmas

Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, love divine;
Love was born at Christmas,
Star and angels gave the sign.

Worship we the Godhead,
Love incarnate, love divine;
Worship we our Jesus:
But wherewith for sacred sign?

Love shall be our token,
Love shall be yours and love be mine,
Love to God and to all men,
Love for plea and gift and sign .

-Christina Rossetti, 1885

The Third Sunday of Advent 2009...

A pink or rose colored candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent and it symbolizes Joy for the coming of Christ. We light this candle to thank God for His Son our Savior who brings us great joy. (We will have the first three of the Advent candles lit today.)

There is truly joy in knowing Christ as Lord and Savior.

Happy 63rd Anniversary Dad & Mom! Here's wishing you many more!

Happy Birthday Duane...

Happy Birthday Duane! Wishing you blessings for your special day and throughout the year !

Winter Is Here...

Wow... winter is here. It has been so windy and cold, but hey, I've been ready. It is just kinda rough when you have to go outside. If I have to go somewhere, I am thankful that I don't drive horse and buggy! Sitting at home by the fireplace or just in a nice cozy warm room and looking out is great!

Happy Birthday Lauryn...

Happy Birthday Lauryn. Hope you have lots of fun today!

I'm So Glad To Be Back Blogging...

Tell you what... I'm so glad to be back blogging. I got so involved with facebook that I neglected my blogging. Really, I think I like blogging better because I have more space to express myself. You just can't say some things with a few clicks of the keyboard.

Facebook is fun because you feel like you are with your friends and experiencing what they experience, but your blog is just you. I looked at how few posts I've had this year and feel a little sad. So much, I missed sharing. Well, hopefully, this new year will start off different because I plan to get back to my blogging.

Well, just a few of my thoughts for the day...

The Blessings of Friendship...

Have you ever thought about the blessings of friendship? I always think of that scripture, "A friend loveth at all times..." Proverbs 17:17 It is so true... friends love you through the thick and thin of it all. They are there for you in the good and the bad. It is so good to have friends.

I say, "The best thing we can do for our friends, is to be their friend." Just a thought for this Christmas season. We don't always have to buy gifts... send a card and let them know that you love them.

Have a blessed day!

Snow....

Yeah, for the snow...

I actually wrote my blog entry before going to bed last night and had it scheduled to post. What a surprise to wake up and find a small snow fall in the night. I love it. It is so beautiful!

I am so thankful for small blessings!

Snow, Where Are You?

I am so looking forward to snow! We had a little bit Sat. morning but it didn't last. I love to sit by my window and look out at the snow, but I don't like the winds that sometimes come with it. I just want the fluffy little white stuff. Boy, am I picky or what.

I guess you could say that, "I'm dreaming of a White Christmas."

The Second Sunday of Advent...

On this second Sunday of Advent we light the second purple candle which represents love. (We will have both the first & second Advent candles lit today.) We light this candle to thank God for His love in sending Jesus Christ our Savior.

" For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." - John 3:16 KJV

Families Are A Blessing...

Today, I am reminded that families are a blessing. I come from a big loving family. Dad was one of nine children and mom was one of seven. I was one of four. There were so many aunts, uncles and cousins at our reunions, but time has taken it course and the reunions have less and less. We celebrated the Phillips Family Christmas in Centerville, OH. It was so different than Christmases past, but this is today.

I think most of all I am reminded about how much we should treasure our families. They are only here on earth for a season and we need to bless them and let them be a blessing to us. Looking at my family history, I remember Papa & Mama (dad's parents), in the morning at around 6:30 kneeling and praying in the dining room. I remember Papa's general store, the big family gatherings, and the love. I'm so glad that I can still feel that love with my uncles, aunts and cousins as well as with my parents today and more than anything in this world, I want this love passed on to my children and grandchildren. This love is a blessing from God.

We had so much fun going over old times, eating, laughing and just enjoying being together. Dad & his brothers Uncle Junior & Uncle Albert, & sister Aunt Ruby and some of their families were able to come. It was just a special time for us all.

Blessings to you this Merry Christmas season!

Grab A Cup of Coffee...

Grab a cup of coffee and let's chat a bit...

Well, can you believe it, the first week of the Christmas season is soon coming to an end. Some of us will be going to our first Christmas parties or may have already been to one. We are decorating, listening to Christmas music, lighting scented candles, baking and cooking all kinds of goodies and sitting by a gas or wood fire. This is a most wonderful time of the year. I love it!

I have a few more things to purchase. Thankfully, my Christmas gifts are pretty much bought, but I want to support those businesses that have good values and are considerate of their customers. So, today I plan on visiting a store that is high on the Stand for Christmas List.

Have a blessed day... Merry Christmas!

Something To Consider...

This is something to consider, Focus on The Family has a website Stand For Christmas that lists some of the most popular stores that we shop at and how they are treating Christmas. Since I'm one of these people that try to support those that uphold my beliefs, I am so thankful for this list. My Christmas gifts are pretty much bought, so I will take the list into consideration all year long. I say, that if I buy just for just a holiday, I'm not buying. I buy for a reason and Christmas is a good reason to share with others God's love and your love.

Officially In The Christmas Season...

Well, we are officially in the Christmas season. We've had our first Advent Sunday, decorations are going up, gifts are being purchased and celebrations and parties planned. I love my holidays, but Christmas is my most favorite of all. It is Christmas and it has a very important meaning and reason to celebrate & give gifts.