Getting Ready for 2010

There's something about the imagery of the thriving tree by the stream that I love. I want this in my mind for 2010...something I will strive for in my walk with God whom I love so much. I want Him to be pleased with me, with my faith, with my outward expressions of my faith. I take Him so for granted many days...I want to stop and think daily of all He's done for me. And love Him back by growing like a tree by a river.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 says:

7 "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.

8 He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit."

Amen to that for 2010.

My Four Christmases

My First Christmas of 2009:
"Only Love" choir presentation...beautiful Christmas trees, lights of all colors, majestic music like "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming" with only violin and piano and choir, Irish dancers and choir doing "A Celtic Christmas", huge nativity scene, children's choir singing "Christmastime", singing "The Hallelujah Chorus" at mach 1 speed! This Christmas is my personal one every year...this is the way I get ready for the season...in amazing, worshipful music.

My Second Christmas of 2009:
Family Christmas Party...Presents piled high around a beautiful red and gold tree at my mom's, children, grandchildren, and a great-grandchild making 17 people as we eat, sing carols, open presents, eat dessert, just sit and talk. A wonderful time. We end it with the ladies singing "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" in a beautiful arrangement as my sister plays for us. That's tradition! Sometimes we sound great, other times not so great! Ha.

My Third Christmas of 2009:
This takes place on Christmas Eve: We start the evening at our church for the candlelight service. I'm always a little worried since I am responsible for ordering the candles in October and getting them ready for the big night. I hope there's enough...there always is. We have a big crowd, out-of-town family members reunite with old friends, the church is beautiful, there's a children's story, beautiful music, and finally, the candles are lit as we sing all the verses of "Silent Night". This year was especially sweet as I had a little granddaughter to hold. Unfortunately, she was burning with fever with the beginning of a rough Christmas for her with a visit to urgent care on the day after Christmas. Despite that, the evening was lovely, the poinsettias decorating the church were so bright and beautiful.

My Fourth Christmas of 2009:
My home, just the three of us (hubby, son, and me) opening presents, getting a turkey in the oven and loving that smell all morning as it baked, gathering up our gifts for the baby, the daughter and son-in-law, and hauling turkey and all over to their house for a delicious Christmas lunch of turkey, stuffing, sweet potato souffle, and green bean casserole. My daughter gave me a beautiful mother-daughter pendant that I will always treasure. Again the baby was burning with fever, a call was put in to the dr. who recommended an urgent care visit the next day.

Christmas is over...at least the usual celebrating...but I will enjoy these memories all year with my pictures and albums full of the fun times! Through it all, was the knowing that the reason for all of this joy and family time is Jesus. That's all! He is sufficient.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Merry Christmas!

Here With Us

Here With Us
Sung by Joy Williams

It's still a mystery to me
That the hands of God could be so small,
How tiny fingers reaching in the night
Were the very hands that measured the sky

Chorus
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Heaven's love reaching down to save the world
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Son of God, Servant King,
You're here with us
You're here with us

Verse 2
It's still a mystery to me,
How His infant eyes have seen the dawn of time
How His ears have heard an angel's symphony,
But still Mary had to rock her Savior to sleep

Chorus
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Heaven's love reaching down to save the world
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Son of God, Servant King
Here with us
You're here with us

Girls' Day Out and Bridal Flashbacks!

Such a fun day today despite the rainy, cold weather. Erin, Maddie,and I met Kelly (Erin's best friend through middle school and high school) at various bridal shops in the area. Kelly was also Erin's maid of honor as you see from the pictures above. This time I was sitting with Kelly's mom, very relaxed, loving watching Kelly try on dress after dress. We visited three bridal shops and I believe Kelly tried on 25 dresses at least. I think the winner is a gorgeous champagne-colored vintage-look dress with beading and lace and lots of glitz. We left home at 9:00 am and returned at 5:30. The baby was an angel and loved hanging out with the girls. She spent many an hour clapping, bouncing, watching everything around her and just, in general, being charming in her pink-striped leggings, pink shirt and RED hair!

Today brought back some wonderful memories of shopping with my own daughter for her wedding dress. It was an exciting time and she looked radiantly beautiful in each dress. It was hard to choose but then the moment came where she knew "this is the dress"! Ah well, maybe I'll get to be in on the dress search for Maddie one day! Balancing on my walker? Who cares! Life is good and I love these blessed and special moments!

Christmas Colors

"Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childhood days, recall to the old man
the pleasures of his youth, and transport the traveler back to his own fireside and quiet home!"
- Charles Dickens

As I'm in the midst of all the Christmas parties, preparations, and special concerts at church, I'm trying to remember some of my childhood Christmases. Maybe having a granddaughter now makes me tend to think back and it really is quite bittersweet when I think of all the time that's passed and how old my parents are, how old I am, and that my own children are in their early to mid-twenties.

One of the first memories I have of Christmas as a child is the beautiful aluminum Christmas tree with the color wheel that was so popular in the early 60s. Wow...that was fascinating to me. I remember just sitting in our living room and watching as the colors passed every few seconds from red to green to blue...was pink in there somewhere also?

Another very distinct memory I have took place on Christmas Eve. All the cousins were outside as we were telling each other good-bye after a special supper and gifts. It was very cold outside and the sky was clear with thousands of stars visible. My uncle pointed out a light that seemed to be flashing and slowly moving across the sky. He urged us to get home and get in bed as Santa was on his way. I remember staring out the car window all the way home hoping we'd make it in time.

I feel very blessed to have had some wonderful childhood Christmases even if I can't remember all of them. My feeling of anticipation and peace at this time of year comes from the traditions and family times of my childhood. Every Christmas Eve one of the cousins recited from memory the story of Jesus' birth in Luke 2. That always happened before we could open our presents. Jesus is the most precious gift of all.

Thanksgiving Minus One Plus Another!

It truly was a good day. I truly do feel thankful. I know I am truly blessed! But I truly missed my boy. Well, he's not really a boy anymore. He's 25 and independent and working a good job and living in his own apartment in Denver, Colorado. This was our first Thanksgiving without him since the Lord blessed us with him back in 1984. He couldn't make it home due to work. But, thankfully, his boss had him over to his house for a family Thanksgiving dinner. I do so appreciate that. I was imagining a frozen dinner sitting in front of the computer or television.

We sure are looking forward to seeing him at Christmas. We're proud of him but I'm just not loving this 2000 miles away thing. Ah well, the Lord knew I would need some distraction this year and gave me the most precious baby granddaughter. I loved watching her sample her first bit of pumpkin pie. Thank you to the best, most loving daughter in the world for sharing her today with me. A truly good day.
(and just 29 days until Christmas)

Thankful to the Lord,

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Jesus Sang!

Matthew 26:30 says "When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives."
This was right before Jesus was betrayed in the garden. He sang knowing what was ahead of Him.

I have yet to understand fully this love that God has for us. I just give up and admit that I can't comprehend why He did what He did.

In this Thanksgiving week I am so aware of my blessings. I am amazed at my life when I sit and look back on the past 52 years. Why have I had a generally happy life while others have had much heartbreak and difficulties? Well, I'm not naive enough to think those days aren't coming my way. I do realize it and pray that my faith will be strong. I know HE is my best friend and companion.

Music means so much to me and I have been listening to some majestic Christmas arrangements by Michael W. Smith. They make you think of heaven and how "our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all" (2 Cor. 4:17). Jesus knew what was ahead of Him as He sang that hymn. He knew the agony coming and the glory after that. It's said that traditionally the hymns sung at the Passover were Psalms 115-118. I love Psalm 115:

1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us
but to your name be the glory,
because of your love and faithfulness.

2 Why do the nations say,
"Where is their God?"

3 Our God is in heaven;
he does whatever pleases him.

4 But their idols are silver and gold,
made by the hands of men.

5 They have mouths, but cannot speak,
eyes, but they cannot see;

6 they have ears, but cannot hear,
noses, but they cannot smell;

7 they have hands, but cannot feel,
feet, but they cannot walk;
nor can they utter a sound with their throats.

8 Those who make them will be like them,
and so will all who trust in them.

9 O house of Israel, trust in the LORD—
he is their help and shield.

10 O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD—
he is their help and shield.

11 You who fear him, trust in the LORD—
he is their help and shield.

12 The LORD remembers us and will bless us:
He will bless the house of Israel,
he will bless the house of Aaron,

13 he will bless those who fear the LORD—
small and great alike.

14 May the LORD make you increase,
both you and your children.

15 May you be blessed by the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

16 The highest heavens belong to the LORD,
but the earth he has given to man.

17 It is not the dead who praise the LORD,
those who go down to silence;

18 it is we who extol the LORD,
both now and forevermore.
Praise the LORD.


HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Life as a Music Ministry Assistant

Just for the heck of it I’ll describe my life as a music ministry assistant. I am very blessed to have my particular job. Probably many people might wonder how in the world the position of music minister’s assistant could be a full-time job. It’s a job that involves a minister of music, 127 active choir members, a middle school choir, a senior adult choir, a minister of instrumental music and orchestra, a media director, many co-workers, a church membership that has definite opinions on the music they like/dislike, technology, paperwork, library, printing/advertising, tidying up, cataloging, decorating, undecorating, ordering food for choir gatherings.

I reserve facilities,enjoy planning short trips, taking money for various projects, fitting choir members’ outfits, ordering those outfits, ordering music, publishing newsletters, proof orders of service, answer phones, and emails. I make sure we have 2200 candles for the Christmas Eve candlelight service counted and ready to give out, am responsible for scheduling Senior Adult choir outings at nursing homes, setting up rooms for choirs, do computer work to put lyrics on screens in the Worship Center for the congregation and for the singers, soloists, and narrators for every Sunday service and special events, schedule soloists and ensembles a month ahead, and keep track of all the choir members’ birthdays.

You add the proofing of texts and programs, the interruptions, the keeping track of the boss’ schedule, the sick folks who need hospital visits, who need TLC for their various troubles, family crises, the personality differences of all those I work with, the expectations, the assumptions and demands and you have quite the workload.

I enjoy the seasonal schedule immensely. We are always preparing ahead. We begin work on Christmas in the month of August, Easter in the month of January, Patriotic starts in April. I can tell you the date of every Sunday in the year in a matter of seconds. As we say in the Music Office, it is always Wednesday or Sunday…it certainly seems that way. It’s a varied job, never a dull moment, has hilarious mornings, testy afternoons, involves me with both wonderful and challenging people and most importantly, is something I do “as unto the Lord”. That keeps it all in perspective. I’m very thankful for my job. You know you've got a great job when you don't dread Sunday nights!! Monday's ahead and I am happy to see it come.

Christmas Ornament

This is the ornament I bought today for my Christmas tree. I anticipate Christmas this year because of Madison. This little ornament is a symbol to me that in 2009 I received one of my most treasured blessings ever.

I Heard the Bells...

A little early I know but this is one of my favorite Christmas songs. Our choir is doing the "Casting Crowns" version this year and it just fit with my devotional time this morning as I studied His word and one of Beth Moore's books.
The words to the song are:

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play
And mild and sweet their songs repeat
Of peace on earth good will to men

And the bells are ringing
Like a choir they're singing
In my heart I hear them
Peace on earth, good will to men

And in despair I bowed my head
There is no peace on earth I said
For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men

But the bells are ringing
Like a choir singing
Does anybody hear them?
Peace on earth, good will to men

Then rang the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead, nor doth He sleep
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men

Then ringing singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men

And the bells they're ringing
Like a choir they're singing
And with our hearts we'll hear them
Peace on earth, good will to men

I especially love the verse "God is not dead, not doth He sleep". Such a comforting and victorious thought! We are, according to Moore's study, living in the end times. She states six signs including "1)Christians will long for Christ's return before the world ever sees it. 2)Many will come claiming to be Christ. 3)The world will display dramatic increases in depravity. 4)The latter days will show a notable increase in violence and cataclysmic events. 5)The worldwide witness of the gospel of Jesus Christ will increase. 6)The activity of the Holy Spirit will increase."

Number 5 is very meaningful to me. I was privileged to serve as a missionary with the International Mission Board from 1986-1995 in Guatemala. We saw the Bible translated into a language that had never had the written WORD before. (Wycliffe translaters did this). My husband went out to groups of people who had never heard of the United States much less Jesus. Right now I see that even though our country is seemingly godless with the administration in charge and there is much violence and depravity, God is still blessing America. Simply because we are sending thousands of missionaries to places that have never heard. Jesus will not come back until "The gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come" Matthew 24:14.

God is not dead, nor doth He sleep. The wrong shall fail, the right prevail with that FINAL peace of a new heaven and a new earth and satan defeated.

Favorites!

Just thinking of the fact that we'll be celebrating Thanksgiving in a few weeks. To me, thankful=favorites. My favorite people, blessings, things, places!

1. JESUS, of course. My constant Companion, Savior, Shepherd, Friend.
2. GOD, my Father, my Source. He holds all in His hands.
3. THE HOLY SPIRIT. Discipline, love, guidance, JOY!
4. FAMILY. Loving, patient husband. Beautiful daughter. Excellent son-in-law. Cutest baby granddaughter in the world. Adventurous son. Healthy, happy parents. Brother & sister & their spouses & my nieces/nephews...FUN!
5. FRIENDS. Erin, Cheryl. Church folk.
6. AUTUMN. Red, yellow, orange, green, crisp, fragrance, anticipation. Bluest sky.
7. CHOCOLATE. No need to explain.
8. MUSIC. Choirs, violins, Christmas, Peace on Earth. Hallelujah Chorus!
9. BOOKS. The smell, the feel, the losing myself in the story for hours at a time.
10. HEAVEN. My home. Someday.

MEOW!

Spooks
- by Sandra Liatsos

There's a goblin at my window,
A monster by my door.
The pumpkin at my table
Keeps on smiling more and more.
There's a ghost who haunts my bedroom,
A witch whose face is green.
They used to be my family,
Till they dressed for Halloween.
(OR a Leopard Kitty all dressed up for her
First Halloween!!)

Denver Update

For those of you who have been so good to say you'd pray for Stephen, here is the latest. After arriving in Denver, he was initiated quickly into the climate! Lots of snow that first week there. He spent the week scouting out the restaurants, stores, etc., and then that first Sunday went up to Lafayette, Colorado and attended a thriving contemporary church. After the service, he and his friends went out into the Rockies and hiked about 7 miles and as Stephen put it "def saw some bear claw prints". Whoa. The next week he landed a job, after calling 27 plumbers in the area. He works now full-time as a plumber-apprentice. After 60 days they will raise his pay and provide benefits. We pray all will work out in that area. He is training and experiencing some interesting sights and work situations!

This past weekend he visited another church and will probably be looking around for a while until he finds what he wants. The area had warm weather again this past weekend but today he woke up to more snow. Stephen has always loved hot weather and desert areas so he's got some acclimating to do.

Thank you for all your prayers. We are proud of the boy and hope he will thrive and grow in his new home.

Autumn Tradition

It's an autumn tradition for many families. The trip to Burt's Pumpkin Farm is a beautiful and colorful drive. I haven't been since my children were small and their favorite memory was of me falling over the pumpkins backwards as I was taking a photo of them.

Today I went with my granddaughter and her parents who were kind enough to invite me. It was such a refreshing and happy day. The weather was very cool, temp in the low 50s, cloudy, windy, felt so like fall. The pumpkins were spread out all over. Bright orange, pale blue, and white pumpkins were fun to look at and pick through to get just that perfect one. My kids picked a huge one that had to be loaded into a wheelbarrow just to get it to the car. That will be some time-consuming carving into a jack-o-lantern!

I loved looking out at all the families there, hearing the children laughing as they ran around among the pumpkins or riding in the wheelbarrows as their parents tried to get good pictures of them for albums, blogs, and facebook!
Just a peaceful day.