WHOSE WE ARE

A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this $20 bill?"

Hands started going up.

He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first let me do this."

He proceeded to crumple the dollar bill up. He then asked, "Who still wants it?" Still the hands were up in the air.

"Well," he replied, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now all crumpled and dirty.

"Now who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air.

"My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value in God's eyes. To Him, dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to Him. Psalm 17:8 states that God will keep us 'as the apple of His eye.'"

THOUGHT: The worth of our lives come not in what we do or who we are, but by WHOSE WE ARE!
************
received online from Mikey's Funnies

FEBRUARY HAS ZOOMED BY

I firmly believe that time has sped up. 60 minutes just does not last as long as it used to!

All is well here. Would you believe yesterday's high was 84!!!! The thing that makes that totally weird is that yesterday was the rodeo parade. I have lots of memories of rain and COLD on rodeo parade days...and that was when the rodeo was still held in March. There was one year that it was so cold that the band director let the kids wear gloves for marching (something she NEVER allowed), and she let them stay on the bus until it was time for their band to begin moving. They were also having trouble that year with the lips sticking to the metal instruments. OUCH!

They have changed our rodeo to a two weekend event. I've been intending to look up the schedule in case the urge hits me to go take pictures of the stock show, but I heard on the news last night that the kids are showing the animals this weekend, so I'm guessing today is my last chance for that, and I'm in the middle of another project and probably won't feel the tug of "photo ops" strongly enough to leave it. (How's that for a nice long sentence!)

Hubby has a bad cold. He has even resorted to taking Tylenol and Benedryl, and he RARELY takes a pill. I offered to go help him this morning with the sound at church, but he said he can cover all of it without any problems. I made him take a bottle of Purell so he can sanitize his hands after he blows his nose.

My walking buddy and I walked on Monday...first time in 2008. We were amazed at the change in the Mall since we were last there (right before Christmas). Taco Bell has closed, the eyeglasses place near Beall's has closed (they were 2 really big corner stores), and there are several walls in front of what used to be stores. Dillard's and Chick-Fil-A and Penney's seem to be the only ones with really good business. hmmmm...well, perhaps the cookie store, too. There is a fast-food Chinese place now, but I almost never see anyone eating their food, so they may not last too long.

Circuit City has also closed. Best Buy seems to be doing well, though. I'm expecting REX (electronics) and Big 5 to close, but they're hanging on so far. The one thing that always seems to "make it" here is a restaurant. Apparently cooking isn't the favorite pastime of a large number of residents of our fair city.

Leave a comment when you get a chance.

Lovies and huggies to all!

RANDOM VALENTINE MEMORIES

Another week has whizzed by. I might be a little closer to being caught up...as long as you don't look at any of the long-term projects I really should be working on. It keeps me off the streets...right?

I have taken a lot of trips down Memory Lane recently regarding Valentine's Day. I remember the Valentine boxes we made and put on our desks in elementary school. They ranged from plain and simple to all decked out with hearts and lace. There were small ones and ones that took up half the desk.

I remember how we "graduated" to the "much cooler" folders hung around the room when we got into the upper elementary grades. I remember the silly Valentines..."your teeth are like the stars--they come out at night." Some of the Valentines bordered on being cruel. I remember the class "rebel" who gave out those Valentines. I remember how surprised I was that the one I got from him wasn't at all what I was expecting. I don't remember if he got very many Valentines or not...and, of course, I never knew if the ones he got were kind or otherwise. Kids can actually be quite cruel. I hope he's doing well.

I remember the silly verses we used to make up. "Roses are red...Grass is green...Your mouth runs...Like a sewing machine." Actually, that was a fairly accurate description of me--I was quite chattye even back then.

I remember the excitement of getting candy attached to one of your Valentines...and you were indeed popular if you got a whole box of candy. I remember the year I got a little plastic mosaic art kit from one of the boys; I thought it was the grandest thing on earth...especially the fact that it was from a BOY!

(and... having nothing whatsoever to do with Valentine's Day... I remember the most popular boy in the sixth grade who "published" his "Top 10" list every week of the girls he liked. I never made the list, but my best friend made it to #10 a couple of times. Maybe I was "popular by association"???????????)

I remember candy hearts and chocolates and heart-shaped suckers. I remember the popular kids whose boxes over-flowed with Valentines, and I remember the twinge of anxiety that came with "nerd territory" as I wondered if the number of Valentines I received would be embarrassingly small. Bless the children who gave cards to everyone; bless the Mothers who MADE their kids give Valentines to everyone.

And now I'm all grown up...and I send out lots of Valentines...because I know it means a lot to be remembered and to know that someone thinks you're special...and because I remember days gone by. And, as I remember and ponder, I have...smiles for the caring and sensitive kids of days gone by. Smiles for the special friends in my life now. Smiles for a loving family. Smiles for God's unconditional love.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ZIPPING BY

It is too, too true that time passes more quickly as we grow older. That certainly seems to be the case to me!!! I figure that once February 16 has come and gone, I should be ready and organized enough for 2008 to begin.

This past weekend was Youth Weekend at church. The youth are totally in charge of all 3 services. It was delightful, as always. I took digi pictures...but I was conservative...I only took 2,000 pics. Tossed 700 the first time through them. I'll probably end up with 300 or so good ones. I just love digital cameras!!! You can take all the pictures you want!!!

We had a brief shower this morning. I just love rain. I love the sound it makes on a metal roof, and I LOVE the smell when everything is fresh and clean. Hmmmmm...perhaps I should figure out a way to get it to rain inside to get my house clean?!?!?!?!?

Oh yeah...we had an interesting visitor in our driveway on Saturday.


It has no idea how lucky it is that I interrupted it's "dig" before it made it into the back yard with the two Golden Retrievers.

We're having crock pot chicken and baked apples for supper. Come on down!!!

Tuesday huggies and lovies!

SHIRLEY

A mom was concerned about her kindergarten son walking to
school. He didn't want his mother to walk with him. She wanted to give him the feeling that he had some independence but yet know that he was safe.

So she had an idea of how to handle it. She asked a neighbor if she would please follow him to school in the mornings, staying at a distance, so he probably wouldn't notice her.

The neighbor said that since she was up early with her toddler anyway, it would be a good way for them to get some exercise as well, so she agreed.

The next school day, the neighbor and her little girl set out following behind Timmy as he walked to school with another neighbor boy he knew. She did this for the whole week.

As the boys walked and chatted, kicking stones and twigs, Timmy's little friend noticed the same lady was following them as she seemed to do every day all week. Finally he said to Timmy, "Have you noticed that lady following us to school all week? Do you know her?"

Timmy nonchalantly replied, "Yeah, I know who she is."

The friend said, "Well, who is she?"

"That's just Shirley Goodnest," Timmy replied, "and her daughter Marcy."

"Shirley Goodnest? Who the heck is she and why is she following us? "

"Well," Timmy explained, "every night my Mom makes me say the 23rd Psalm with my prayers, 'cuz she worries about me so much. And in the Psalm, it says, 'Shirley Goodnest and Marcy shall follow me all the days of my life', so I guess I'll just have to get used to it!"

THURSDAY CHUCKLES

What, you ask, is "Butt Dust"? Read on and you'll discover the joy in a child's sincere originality. No adult is this creative!!

JACK (age 3) was watching his Mom breast-feeding his new baby sister. After a while he asked: "Mom why have you got two? Is one for hot and one for cold milk?"

MELANIE (age 5) asked her Granny how old she was. Granny replied she was so old she didn't remember any more. Melanie said, "If you don't remember you must look in the back of your panties. Mine say five to six."

STEVEN (age 3) hugged and kissed his Mom good night. "I love you so much that when you die I'm going to bury you outside my bedroom window."

BRITTANY (age 4) had an earache and wanted a painkiller. She tried in vain to take the lid off the bottle. Seeing her frustration, her Mom explained it was a childproof cap and she'd have to open it for her. Eyes wide with wonder, the little girl asked: "How does it know it's me?"

SUSAN (age 4) was drinking juice when she got the hiccups. "Please don't give me this juice again," she said, "It makes my teeth cough."

DJ (age 4) stepped onto the bathroom scale and asked: "How much do I cost?"

MARC (age 4) was engrossed in a young couple that were hugging and kissing in a restaurant. Without taking his eyes off them, he asked his dad: "Why is he whispering in her mouth?"

CLINTON (age 5) was in his bedroom looking worried. When his Mom asked what was troubling him, he replied, "I don't know what'll happen with this bed when I get married. How will my wife fit in?"

JAMES (age 4) was listening to a Bible story. His dad read: "The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city but his wife looked back and was turned to salt." Concerned, James asked: "What happened to the flea?"

TAMMY (age 4) was with her mother when they met an elderly, rather wrinkled woman her Mom knew. Tammy looked at her for a while and then asked, "Why doesn't your skin fit your face?"

The Sermon I think this mom will never forget.... this particular Sunday sermon..."Dear Lord," the minister began, with arms extended toward heaven and a rapturous look on his upturned face. "Without you, we are but dust..." He would have continued but at that moment my very obedient daughter who was listening leaned over to me and asked quite audibly in her shrill little four year old girl voice, "Mom, what is butt dust?"

A FEW SHORT THOUGHTS

Where is the usual January "slow down?" The month is more than half gone, and I'm already "a day late and a dollar short!"

Last night's weather forecast predicted that today's high would be 38. Apparently the weather man has not read the book that informs him that 38 is not a HIGH temperature!

Burton has learned that he can activate the robot vacuum cleaner by walking across the top of it. Knowing that puts a whole new spin on things "going bump in the night."

My Christmas letter has still not materialized. My New Year's letter has still not materialized. I'm now thinking along the lines of a Valentine (or perhaps Easter)letter.

Thursday hugzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz to all!
(read the post below this one...such a sweet story)

THE OLD MAN AND THE DOG

This is a bit long but very sweet, and it is a wonderful example of God answering our prayers "in mysterious ways."
MizC
****************
The Old Man and the Dog
by Catherine Moore

"Watch out! You nearly broad sided that car!" My father yelled at me."Can't you do anything right?"

Those words hurt worse than blows. I turned my head toward the elderly man in the seat beside me, daring me to challenge him. A lump rose in my throat as I averted my eyes. I wasn't prepared for another battle."

I saw the car, Dad. Please don't yell at me when I'm driving." My voicewas measured and steady, sounding far calmer than I really felt. Dad glared at me, then turned away and settled back.

At home I left Dad in front of the television and went outside to collect my thoughts. Dark, heavy clouds hung in the air with a promise of rain. The rumble of distant thunder seemed to echo my inner turmoil. What could I do about him? Dad had been a lumberjack in Washington and Oregon. He had enjoyed being outdoors and had reveled in pitting his strength against the forces of nature. He had entered grueling lumberjack competitions, and had placed often. The shelves in his house were filled with trophies that attested to his prowess.

The years marched on relentlessly. The first time he couldn't lift a heavy log, he joked about it; but later that same day I saw him outside alone, straining to lift it. He became irritable whenever anyone teased him about his advancing age, or when he couldn't do something he had done as a younger man.

Four days after his sixty-seventh birthday, he had a heart attack. Anambulance sped him to the hospital while a paramedic administered CPR to keep blood and oxygen flowing. At the hospital, Dad was rushed into an operating room. He was lucky; he survived.

But something inside Dad died. His zest for life was gone. He obstinately refused to follow doctor's orders. Suggestions and offers of help were turned aside with sarcasm and insults. The number of visitors thinned, then finally stopped altogether. Dad was left alone.

My husband, Dick, and I asked Dad to come live with us on our small farm. We hoped the fresh air and rustic atmosphere would help him adjust. Within a week after he moved in, I regretted the invitation. It seemed nothing was satisfactory. He criticized everything I did. I became frustrated and moody. Soon I was taking my pent-up anger out on Dick. We began to bicker and argue. Alarmed, Dick sought out our pastor and explained the situation. The clergyman set up weekly counseling appointments for us. At the close of each session he prayed, asking God to soothe Dad's troubled mind. But the months wore on and God was silent. Something had to be done, and it was up to me to do it.

The next day I sat down with the phone book and methodically called each of the mental health clinics listed in the Yellow Pages. I explained my problem to each of t he sympathetic voices that answered. In vain. Just when I was giving up hope, one of the voices suddenly exclaimed, "I just read something that might help you! Let me go get the article." I listened as she read. The article described a remarkable study done at a nursing home. All of the patients were under treatment for chronic depression. Yet their attitudes had improved dramatically when they were given responsibility for a dog.

I drove to the animal shelter that afternoon. After I filled out a questionnaire, a uniformed officer led me to the kennels. The odor of disinfectant stung my nostrils as I moved down the row of pens. Eachcontained five to seven dogs. Long-haired dogs, curly-haired dogs, black dogs, spotted dogs all jumped up, trying to reach me. I studied each one but rejected one after the other for various reasons: too big, too small, too much hair. As I neared the last pen a dog in the shadows of the far corner struggled to his feet, walked to the front of the run and sat down. It was a pointer, one of the dog world's aristocrats. But this was a caricature of the breed. Years had etched his face and muzzle with shades of gray. His hipbones jutted out in lopsided triangles. But it was his eyes that caught and held my attention. Calm and clear, they beheld me unwaveringly.

I pointed to the dog. "Can you tell me about him?" The officer looked,then shook his head in puzzlement.

"He's a funny one. Appeared out of nowhere and sat in front of the gate. We brought him in, figuring someone would be right down to claim him. That was two weeks ago and we've heard nothing. His time is up tomorrow." He gestured helplessly.

As the words sank in I turned to the man in horror. "You mean you're going to kill him?"

"Ma'am," he said gently, "that's our policy. We don't have room for every unclaimed dog.

"I looked at the pointer again. The calm brown eyes awaited my decision. "I'll take him," I said.

I drove home with the dog on the front seat beside me. When I reached the house I honked the horn twice. I was helping my prize out of the car when Dad shuffled onto the front porch.

"Ta-da! Look what I got for you, Dad!" I said excitedly.

Dad looked, then wrinkled his face in disgust. "If I had wanted a dog Iwould have gotten one. And I would have picked out a better specimen than that bag of bones. Keep it! I don't want it" Dad waved his arm scornfully and turned back toward the house.

Anger rose inside me. It squeezed together my throat muscles and pounded into my temples.

You'd better get used to him, Dad. He's staying!" Dad ignored me. "Did you hear me, Dad?" I screamed. At those words Dad whirled angrily, his hands clenched at his sides, his eyes narrowed and blazing with hate.

We stood glaring at each other like duelists, when suddenly the pointerpulled free from my grasp. He wobbled toward my dad and sat down in front of him. Then slowly, carefully, he raised his paw.

Dad's lower jaw trembled as he stared at the uplifted paw. Confusion replaced the anger in his eyes. The pointer waited patiently. Then Dad was on his knees hugging the animal.

It was the beginning of a warm and intimate friendship. Dad named thepointer Cheyenne. Together he and Cheyenne explored the community. They spent long hours walking down dusty lanes. They spent reflective moments on the banks of streams, angling for tasty trout. They even started to attend Sunday services together, Dad sitting in a pew and Cheyenne lying quietly at his feet.

Dad and Cheyenne were inseparable throughout the next three years. Dad's bitterness faded, and he and Cheyenne made many friends. Then late one night I was startled to feel Cheyenne's cold nose burrowing through our bed covers. He had never before come into our bedroom at night. I woke Dick, put on my robe and ran into my father's room. Dad lay in his bed, his face serene. But his spirit had left quietly sometime during the night.

Two days later my shock and grief deepened when I discovered Cheyenne lying dead beside Dad's bed. I wrapped his still form in the rag rug he had slept on. As Dick and I buried him near a favorite fishing hole, I silently thanked the dog for the help he had given me in restoring Dad's peace of mind.

The morning of Dad's funeral dawned overcast and dreary. This day looks like the way I feel, I thought, as I walked down the aisle to the pews reserved for family. I was surprised to see the many friends Dad and Cheyenne had made filling the church. The pastor began his eulogy. It was a tribute to both Dad and the dog who had changed his life. And then the pastor turned to Hebrews 13:2. "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers."

"I've often thanked God for sending that angel," he said.

For me, the past dropped into place, completing a puzzle that I had notseen before: the sympathetic voice that had just read the right article...Cheyenne's unexpected appearance at the animal shelter. . .his calmacceptance and complete devotion to my father. . .and the proximity oftheir deaths. And suddenly I understood. I knew that God had answered my prayers after all.

PERHAPS

Hmmmm...perhaps I should remove the Christmas pictures and replace them with something more "timely." Ya think???????????

HAPPY NEW YEAR

GROUP HUG TO WELCOME IN 2008!!!!!

Happy New Year, Everyone! It's always hard for me to believe that the old year is gone and a new one has arrived. As always, the old year seems to have gone by in a blur.

I don't usually make resolutions, but there are a couple I'm pondering very seriously this year. How about those of you who read this blog? Are you making any resolutions this year?

We had a nice trip to Seattle to be with the girls during Christmas. All travel was uneventful which is most definitely the best kind. Our younger daughter and her roomie were wonderful hostesses. They had a beautiful tree, and it was nice to sit and enjoy the lights. We did a lot of sight-seeing, a lot of picture taking (that's Cathye who took the pictures), a lot of restaurant visiting (YUM, YUM, YUM), and a lot of present opening. Santa was more than generous, as always. We opened gifts at Alyson's apartment and cooked Christmas dinner at Andrea's. After we ate that evening, we played games for a while. I love to see the girls laugh.

We enjoyed seeing where both girls work. We had a chance to visit Andrea's church both on Sunday and on Christmas Eve. I really, really liked the pastor's sermons! The two restaurants where Alyson works fed us royally. Food was great in both places.

The weather wasn't too bad. We had a wide variety of weather...some rain..a bit of sun...lots of clouds...some wind...some really cold days...and some fairly nice days. The rain was mostly drizzle so it wasn't too bad.

My favorite event was taking the ferry to Bainbridge Island on Saturday and eating at a little Pub there. Andrea's roommate and her boyfriend joined us which made it even more fun.

I was surprised at how long it took my body to get used to the time change. In fact, it was time to come home by the time I was used to it. I must admit that I slept most of the day after our return, but then I had to jump head first into a big project I'm doing for church which needs to be finished by Friday. Have I known about it for a long time? Uh huh But...I just couldn't get "the spirit to move" until we returned. It's nice to have it almost under control now.

We also have a Christmas party to go to on Thursday...for the church staff. That is always fun. Seems like there's also something this weekend, but right now I'm not remembering what. (shocker)

I would love to hear from you!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lovies and huggies,
cat(h)(ye)
p.s. It's supposed to be 12 degrees tonight! BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

We're enjoying visiting with daughters. Being in the city traffic reinforces to me that I am NOT a city gal...but both daughters seem to be, and it is fun for a visit. We visited Andrea's church this morning and are looking forward to Christmas Eve services. Alyson was able to get off all day yesterday so we were able to spend the entire day together as a family which was delightful. I'll eventually post pictures.

Roy and Andrea are off doing a bit of father/daughter bonding (translation: getting the oil changed in her vehicle). I'm not sure what is on the agenda for the evening.

I hope this is a wonderful holiday season for one and all.

christmas hugzzzz
chattye/cathye
*********************
Today your Savior was born in the town of David. He is Christ, the Lord.
Luke 2:11

An ordinary night with ordinary sheep and ordinary shepherds. And were it not for a God who loves to hook an "extra" on the front of the ordinary, the night would have gone unnoticed. The sheep would have been forgotten, and the shepherds would have slept the night away.

But God dances amidst the common. And that night he did a waltz.

The black sky exploded with brightness. Trees that had been shadows jumped into clarity. Sheep that had been silent became a chorus of curiosity. One minute the shepherd was dead asleep, the next he was rubbing his eyes and staring into the face of an alien.

The night was ordinary no more.

The angel came in the night because that is when lights are best seen and that is when they are most needed. God comes into the common for the same reason. His most powerful tools are the simplest.

by Max Lucado

STORY OF THE LITTLEST ANGEL

If you haven't ever read the story of The Littlest Angel, you have missed a treat. You can go to it by clicking on the adorable little angel below.

THE "W" IN CHRISTMAS

The "W" in Christmas

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience.

I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.

My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant."

I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise. So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats.

As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.

Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title.

Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song.

As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down - totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W". The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W".

Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together.

A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen.

In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities.

For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:

"C H R I S T W A S L O V E"

And, I believe, He still is. Amazed in His presence... .humbled by His love.

Again, HAVE A BLESSED HOLIDAY SEASON!

THE LITTLEST ANGEL

I LOVE this story and this song. Here are the lyrics and the music.
********************
THE LITTLEST ANGEL
sung by Bing Crosby

Let me tell you a tale that is often told
In the great Celestial Hall
All about an angel only 4 years old
The littlest angel of all.

How all day he would play with a little box
That to others had no worth
Ah, but there were treasures in this little box
The treasures he brought from earth

Just a butterfly with golden wings
A little piece of a hollow log
Two shiny stones from a river bank
And the worn out strap of his faithful dog

Then the angels all heard that the Holy Child
Would be born in Bethlehem
And they all brought presents for the Holy Child
And each gift was a heavenly gem

Then the littlest angel put his little box
With the presents fine and rare
And the littlest angel sat alone and cried
For his gift was so meager and bare

Just a butterfly with golden wings
A little piece of a hollow log
Two shiny stones from a river bank
And the worn-out strap of his faithful dog

But the Lord chose the gift of the little box
That a child had blessed with love
And it started glowing that very night
It became the star up above

When you see that star as it shines on high
In the great Celestial Hall
You will know the proudest angel in the sky
Is the littlest angel of all

With his butterfly with golden wings
A little piece of a hollow log
Two shiny stones from a riverbank
And the worn-out strap of his faithful dog



The above sound is very cranky. Sometimes I have to close my blog, open my browser, and paste in the following URL

http://cathye48.blogspot.com/2007/12/littlest-angel.html

to get it to play. Sometimes I have to do that more than once. I've tried numerous other players, and believe it or not, this one is the best so far. You do have to have Flash Player installed to be able to hear it.

This low quality .mp3 is for preview purposes only. If you like the song, please support the artist by purchasing the recording.

OH MY GOODNESS

I spent a delightful yesterday morning shopping with a friend. I had a gift certificate that I had received last Christmas from a another friend, so we headed to the appropriate store to do a bit of shopping. I found a wonderful purple pantsuit w/ jacket...and it was on sale! What a wonderful way to use my gift certificate.

But then....

a lovely green pantsuit tapped me on the shoulder and said that it would file discrimination charges against me if I didn't buy it, too!

And then. . .

I felt a tap on my other shoulder....and would you believe it....it was a denim outfit...jeans with tiny stripes and a vest...and it wanted in on the action, too.

WHAT'S A GIRL TO DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I did what any thoughtful, caring person would do...I INCLUDED ALL OF THEM!!!!

BRING ON THE COLD WEATHER IN SEATTLE...I'M READY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FRIDAY HUGZZZZZZZZZZZZZ TO ALL!

LAST CHRISTMAS...THIS CHRISTMAS

This was written after 9-11, but it's just as applicable today.
*******************
LAST CHRISTMAS...THIS CHRISTMAS


Last Christmas we were thinking about all the things we didn't have. This Christmas we are thinking about all the things we do have.

Last Christmas we were placing wreaths on the doors of our homes. This Christmas we are placing wreaths on the graves of our heroes.

Last Christmas we were counting our money. This Christmas we are counting our blessings.

Last Christmas we thought a man who could rush down a football field was a hero. This Christmas we know a man who rushes into a burning building is the real one.

Last Christmas we paid lip service to the real meaning of the holidays. This Christmas we are paying homage to it.

Last Christmas we were lighting candles to decorate. This Christmas we are lighting candles to commemorate.

Last Christmas we were trying not to let annoying relatives get the best of us. This Christmas we are trying to give the best of ourselves to them.

Last Christmas we thought it was enough to celebrate the holidays. This Christmas we know we must also find ways to consecrate them.

Last Christmas we were thinking about the madness of the holidays. This Christmas we are thinking about the meaning of them.

Last Christmas we were getting on each other's nerves. This Christmas we are getting on our knees.

Last Christmas we were giving thanks for gifts from stores. This Christmas we are giving thanks for gifts from God.

Last Christmas we were wondering how to give our children all the things that money can buy - the hottest toys, the latest fashions, the newest gadgets. This Christmas we are wondering how to give them all the things it can't - a sense of security, safety, peace.

Last Christmas we were thinking about all the pressure we are under at the office. This Christmas we are thinking about all the people who no longer have an office to go to.

Last Christmas we were singing carols. This Christmas we are singing anthems.

Last Christmas we were thinking how good it would feel to be affluent. This Christmas we are thinking how good it feels to be alive.

Last Christmas we thought angels were in heaven. This Christmas we know some are right here on earth.

Last Christmas we believed in the power of the pocketbook. This Christmas we believe in the power of prayer.

Last Christmas we were sharing/spreading/listening to gossip. This Christmas we are sharing/spreading/listening to the Gospel.

Last Christmas we valued things that were costly. This Christmas we value things that are holy.

Last Christmas the people we idolized wore football, basketball and baseball uniforms. This Christmas the people we idolize wear police, firefighters and military uniforms.

Last Christmas "peace on earth" is something we prayed for on Sunday mornings. Now it is something we pray for every day.

CHRISTMAS HOT CHOCOLATE

Christmas Hot Chocolate

"No hot chocolate on Christmas Eve?" Christine asked.

"Next year," her mom Cheryl promised as she dressed for the midnight service.

Having hot chocolate on Christmas Eve was a family tradition, but this year they couodn't afford even that. Jack, the dad, had been laid off months earlier; their car was broken down; food was scarce, and the family's financial picture was growing bleaker each day.

Later, as they sat in the candlelight service, Cheryl prayed silently, "Oh, Lord, you promised to take care of us. Have you forgotten?"

Joyful songs and hope rang out as people filed out of the church, but Cheryl's heart was heavy. Just then, their daughter's youth director called to them: "Wait!" She pulled a brightly ribboned jar from her bag -- hot chocolate mix! "Merry Christmas!" she said.

This kind friend didn't know of their family tradition, or that to Cheryl, this simple gift was a reminder that God had not forgotten their family after all.

(from Christmas Treasures of the Heart by Cheri Fuller)

STAY

I pulled into the crowded parking lot at the Super Wal-Mart Shopping Center and rolled down the car windows to make sure my Labrador Retriever Pup had fresh air.

She was stretched full-out on the back seat, and I wanted to impress upon her that she must remain there. I walked to the curb backward, pointing my finger at the car and saying emphatically, "Now you stay. Do you hear me?" "Stay! Stay!"

The driver of a nearby car, a pretty blonde young lady, gave me a strange look and said...

"Why don't you just put it in park?"

CHRISTMAS IS COMING

Goodness...a week into December already. Christmas is just around the corner, and I haven't done any decorating yet. I am delighted to tell you that I have actually gotten all out-of-town gifts mailed...possibly the earliest that has ever happened. I'll try to post Christmas thoughts here as Christmas approaches. Maybe reading about Christmas will put me in the mood to get out some decorations!!!

Our weather is beautiful...in the 80's yesterday and today, but the weather man assures us that tomorrow with be cold and rainy. The trees are beautiful with their multi-colored leaves. My camera and I took a few pics the other day of our pecan tree in the back yard. Roy and the Golden Retrievers have been having a race to see who can get to the fallen pecans first. So far I think it's a tie!







Tomorrow night is the Christmas Musical done by the children's choirs at church. I'll be playing with that cool $5,000 camera again! The owner is such a brave soul. I'll also play with my digi camera to get some pics of the kids in their costumes. I wish there were 2 of me on occasions like this.

lovies and huggies to all!!!

UPDATE

Roy and I had a quiet Thanksgiving at home. Since both girls live so far away, they weren't able to come home. We did, however, get to talk to both of them when they called home to find out how to fix various parts of their own Thanksgiving dinners. I was kind of glad I didn't do a better job of teaching them the skills of cooking!

Thanksgiving was a bit strange, too! For some strange reason I woke up in the mood to CLEAN...which I can assure you is extremely RARE! So...while Roy cooked, I cleaned and did laundry...all day long in fact! It is perhaps a sign that the world will be coming to an end soon.

We had a fund-raising concert at our church last night. They let me run a $5,000 video camera. I thought that was incredibly brave of them!!!!!

Trying to get Christmas packages in the mail today. Some days that goes quickly...some days I really have to push myself to "do what needs to be done."

I am seriously considering trading Sable (one of indoor dogs) in on a new model. Her latest "thing" is to climb into the cat's litter box...eat the cat poop...and then regurgitate it in strategic places in the house, thereby filling the room with such a lovely fragrance...NOT!!!!

And now I'm off to the salt mines!