|
|
 |
|
| |
I wanted to take a minute to share some pretty exciting news with my church family.
My sister got engaged on Christmas Eve.
Like all of us my sister has a story. Here is the short version. She was married in August of 1984 and has two sons, now 20 and 15. In January of 1995 my brother in law, Jeff was diagnosed with cancer. I can't tell you it's name except it is one of the most fast spreading type and least likely to detect early. He had chemo/radiation and all the other treatments and medications over the course of about 10 months.
In late October of'95 he was admitted to the hospital again this time my sister was told if she wanted to spend the remainder of his time with him now was the time for a leave of absence. She did just that. This would be the last Thanksgiving and Christmas with him.
On January 2nd, '96 my brother in law went to be with Jesus. Left behind was not only my sister but her two boys only 8 and 3(at the time). My parents stepped in and helped so much. My dad was more than just a grandpa he became a father to his grandsons. I watched my sister "die" as she tried to continue on with life. It took many years for her to even talk about Jeff to anyone.
This past year she met a gentleman named, Dan. He himself is a father of 2 and is raising them himself. He is a gentle and sweet man. He would say to me early in their relationship "I am the happiest I have ever been. Diane make me complete."
I have seen a huge transformation in my sister. Dan is an outdoors-man. He enjoys hiking, fishing, hunting, snowshoeing, skiing and boating. My sister has done most all of these with him and loves it. In July, both Dan and my sister quit smoking!!!! Miracle...she has smoked for over 30 years!!!
She is so happy and I see in her eyes the spark of life. She is incredibly happy and so am I. God is faithful to bring about His best. The next miracle will be that both Dan and my sister are serving God whole heartily.
|
| |
| |
My God is a good God and has my best interest at heart. The devil on the other hand is a thief, liar and killer. He wants to destroy me so I can not fulfill my destiny. He also wants to make life miserable! Let me share.
On Tuesday, Dec 23rd I was doing last minute preparation for Christmas. I took my girlfriend's 3 daughters (teens) so she could get some of her stuff done and they could look after my 3 girls. I needed to go to the bank to get money for traveling, postal center and grocery store. It was the last of my errands and then I could focus on the house and meal preparation.
I had driven to the bank and was heading toward the postal center.....I went through the intersection and so did another vehicle!!! He had a stop sign but didn't stop. As the SUV approached I yelled the one name I knew to yell "JESUS" it impacted my mini van on the drivers side rear tire area. I turned to the teen in the car and asked if she was OK. We were both unharmed just shaken.
I got out to ask about the man driving the other car. From his car he nodded yes to my question of his well being. Something didn't sit well with me. I returned to my van dialed 911 and wrote his plate number down. Within 5 minutes the police arrived and began to process the scene.
The man was driving without a license. His brother owned the car had insurance. The officer had the tow truck come and my van was off. Myself and my friend's daughter began a 3 block walk home. My husband was also on his way home and I was battling anger about a person's stupidity!
It was at bedtime when I fully realized how God had protected me. If I had been going just a little slower.....he would have hit at my door!!! I would not have been walking home but most likely riding to the hospital. I was also so grateful that my three young girls were not in the car. One of my girls sits right where the van was hit.
The devil I believe really wanted the latter to happen....but GOD. Now the inconvenience of all this....is also how the devil is trying to steal our joy! However, he doesn't win!!!!!!
Now, I have also learned that the devil always hits you when you are down. So true to form he did just that. On, Friday De. 26 we drove to my sister's home and arrived about 6 pm. We were unloading the rental vehicle. As I walked around the back of the car I slipped on the ice and land on my but, head, and elbow. Yup!! It was a sight. I had a headache and instant pain in my left elbow. The next morning...I was not able to turn my neck without great effort, also my mid-back was also extremely sore.
I laugh at the devil's tactic and rise above them. I am healing and thanks to thermabond and aleve I am managing the pain. Today is much better than yesterday.
One last item....my husband and nephew flew out from Albany, NY to Green Bay, WI via Chicago. My sister, husband and I bought a package tour for Brian and my nephew to go to a Packers game. They have been counting down the days to leave.
Arriving in Chicago their flight to Green Bay was cancelled along with most other flights. I began looking for a rental car for them to drive the 3 1/2 hours to Lambeau Field. After much effort a I was able to secure a car. They needed to get there by 3pm for their tour of the stadium.
They met a nice couple from PA who were also going to Green Bay. They shared the ride and cost of the car. They arrived at 3:20 pm and were able to take the 3:45 tour.
Brian and my nephew have been having a blast. As I speak they are at a Tailgate Party in Bret Favre restaurant and will then sit on the 45 yard line about 8 rows above the Packer bench.
So...the devil in a thief, liar and killer....or so he thinks. I have caught on to his schemes and will walk through all this with JOY and have victory in all.
Thanks for stopping by and may you be encouraged.
|
| |
| |
Today/Tomorrow is a special day in many homes. It is the day that children are the most excited and parents are most tired. As a child I remember the Christmas season with very fond memories. Here are some of my favorites.
My father and I (also my siblings) would make sugar cookies together. My dad had done this with his father as well. We would make the dough from scratch, roll it out and cut the shapes. Trees, Santas, stars, wreathes, and bells would bake in the oven. We would then make frosting and make all colors and frost the cookies. My dad would give a the "MOST IMPORTANT JOB" --- clean up. It took a few years to catch on that trick! We would get to eat the cookies and also share with so many others. We would also make a "Santa Cookie" and would leave it out for Santa.
I also remember waiting at the top of the stairs for my sister to get up...so we could all go downstairs together to see what was in our stocking from Santa. We would have breakfast after usually pancakes and sausage. We all ate very fast so we could get to our presents! The remainder of the day was spend assembling toys and playing. My dad and mom would relax on the couch and watch us play.
I don't recall any big fancy dinner. I do remember my grandparents being with us on occasion. It was one day we didn't have to do chores or get dressed.
Now, I am the mom and I have three great girls. I have spent the last several weeks shopping, wrapping and planning. We have assembled toys and prepared for a day to enjoy our family. Tonight after all the girls are asleep we will place stockings out and fill with goodies. Tomorrow our girls will wait at the top of the stairs and come down to discover all the treasures in their stockings. I will also make breakfast and eat as quickly as the girls will so we can get to presents. I will relax and enjoy watching my girls play with their new toys.
Many people discuss Santa and how we should not teach Santa and we should only focus on Jesus. I fully agree that Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas. I wonder what the harm is in teaching our children about St. Nicholas and who he was. Also about Santa....my girls have been taught that Jesus' birth is why we celebrate and also about St. Nicholas. The thrill of waiting for Santa is a memory I cherish. Is it a bad thing to allow my children the same joy? Just a thought going through my mind today.
May you and your family have a joyous and memorable Christmas!!!
Thought I would add a new memory!!!
On Christmas morning I usually make breakfast after stockings before opening presents....this year my husband wanted to go to Dunken Dounuts for a coffee. (we don't drink it regularly). We all piled in our car and headed out. We got dounuts and coffee and hot chocolate. At home we ate our sweet breakfast andhad so much fun being "SILLY". I believe a new tradition has been born!
|
| |
| |
As this time of year unfolds I enjoy getting my home ready. I absolutely love to decorate for Christmas. I usually begin "asking" if I can put up the tree as soon as the leaves begin to change. My husband says "No, wait till after Thanksgiving". This year I went ahead and began the process. I have the nick-nack items out, all the manger scenes, candles and stocking hung. I also have many lights and they are glowing as I write. The tree.... well the room has been prepared and the space made for the tree.
I began to think of all the "things" I am not able to do for my family. Mostly involving purchasing gifts. I also enjoy "doing" for others as well. I also have other "desires" that I am not able to fulfill...and I begin to think am I being ungrateful?
I stop and ponder our life. My husband still has his job, even when many thousands have been laid off with more to come. My family is all healthy!!!! I have an extended family and we actually love each other and enjoy being together.
Doing for others? We were able to execute a covert operation last week. We packed up 2 large bags of groceries and left them on the doorstep for a family in need. We watched from the shadows as they received their goods. What a joy for my girls to be a part of something like that.
We are also so blessed as well. I arrived home to find a large bag on the porch with a note that simply said "Merry Christmas". In the bag were 3 dress up dresses from the Disney Store. They were Ariel, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. Along with the dresses were shoes and a tiara. What a blessing...the sizes were the right size for the right girl.
I am grateful and it helps me to remind myself of all the blessing I do have. May you remember the important things in life....people!!!!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!!
|
| |
| |
12:9 but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
I read this today and thought wow. I tend to think things like:
Am I raising my girls how God wants?
Am I disciplining how the Word says?
Am I doing the right thing sending my daughter off to school? (Christian one)
Am I the best wife possible for my husband?
Am I involved in our church enough? In the right areas?
Am I following Christ as I should?
After reading the verse "My grace is sufficient for you..." Arguing with the Word of God is a losing battle....so I know that all I face in my life, trials, children, spouse, friends, church....God promised His grace is sufficient for ME.
The true test is believing and acting on the Word. My God has enough grace for me each and every day. Honestly sometimes it is minute by minute.
Have a blessed day and remember that God has enough grace for you!
|
| |
|
|
