Happy Holidays

Christmas time is my favorite time of the year. I remember as a child going to my Grandma and Granddaddy's house. There were a bunch of cousins and we all slept on the floor and the next day Santa had come. I never could figure out how he knew where we were going to be on Christmas morning. Then there was a time that my brothers and I would search every inch of the house looking for our gifts. We never could find them. Mom and Dad knew we would look. One Christmas, I broke my arm just before Christmas. I got the whole week off for the holidays. I spent one Christmas in the hospital with my newborn son. He was due like January 5 and came on Christmas eve. I have a twin brother and his first son was born on Christmas eve, too. Is that weird? My sister in law and I use to have an ongoing battle with Scrabble on Christmas Eve. She always won. I really think that she made up alot of words. I always said that the kids sucked all the brain cells out of my head and that is why I could not win. My mother loved to make wonderful foods. She made apricot coconut balls, cookies, Martha Washington balls, trash, oyster crackers, pies, rice and broccoli casserole and much much more. She always had sausage rolls and scrambled eggs for Christmas morning. I really miss those times. I will share some of the recipes with you during the holidays. Giving is a special time for me. I really love it with Cman. He is so cute and it will be fun watching him at Christmas time. I will have some cute things for him to have under the tree. It is always a joy to give to Erin, Jon, Sarah and Jeff, too. I miss Christmas day with my family.
We have shopped for a family that is less fortunate. I am praying that the family has a blessed Christmas Day. I am trying to think of something very special for the family, so that they really understand the true meaning of the holiday season.
I am blessed and know that Jesus is the reason of the season.

Lord, I pray that everything that I do and say this wonderful holiday season, that it will be honoring to You.
Happy Holidays!
Blog to ya later!

1. Two Names You Go By: Ms. Nena and MomMom
2. Things You Are Wearing Right Now: old robe
3. Two Things You Want Very Badly At The Moment: that my girls (which includes one son in law and the cutest grandson) lived closer to home and that Erin is safe and happy in her home.
4. Two people who you look up to: my dad and my Aunt Dorothy
5. Two things you did last night: shopping and ate out with Sarah and Jeff
6. Two things you ate yesterday: fried green beans (very interesting) mashed potatoes
7. Two people you last talked to: Sarah and Erin
8. Two Things you're doing tomorrow: eat and browse the ads.
9. Two longest car rides: Texas to Minnesota and Texas to South Carolina
10. Favorite Holidays : Christmas and Easter
11. Favorite Vacations : Scotland and Canada
12. Last trip: Arlington to Marshall
13. Two favorite beverages: Diet Dr. Pepper and Pibb Zero

May we be ever mindful of all our many blessings today and always.
Blog to ya later!

Reality

Reality is big. Television has many reality shows, people surviving huge challenges on Survivor, The Biggest Loser, talent shows, dancing, singing, etc. These all include winners and losers. They work so hard to get cut from the shows at the mercy of judges and the influence of America.

I am so glad that reality is not that way. Reality is all around us. Challenges are huge and sometimes it seems unbearable.

My sweet dear friend, who desparately desires a child and keeps her faith and knows that she belongs to a Big God and wants to serve Him.
Another sweet friend who faces divorce with a young child and is doing what she can do to take care of this young son.
Another young couple with young children and desire to serve God in a great and mighty way in the ministy and doors are not opening.
Others, who face financial burdens.
Many dear saints who have lost their loved one.
Young families facing a life time of a child with special needs.
Many of us are facing challenging time with aging parents.
I call these times "faith building experiences". This is reality. An opportunity for us to pray and help our fellow Christian friends.

We win when we desire to to follow God and put Him first.
We can sit on reality or it can direct us closer to God.
Reality tells alot about us, for we are being watched.
Reality can bring about pain, but it can bring great glory to God.
Reality can be used to build great character.

In reality, I look back on the journey I have had with my special needs child. She will be 24 in January. God was preparing me to do the work that I do now. The experiences have given me many wonderful friendships that I would not have had. God used many people to pray for our family. She has been an incredible blessing to our family. When spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally sapped God was and is there.

In reality, God is on His throne and there are no losers.

God, I pray for those hurting. You know every need and desires of their hearts. I know that You are building character and preparing them for great things to come. Help us to be patient and praise You in all things. Help me to be sensitive to the needs of others. AMEN

Tis the Season

I just love the fall, the crisp mornings, the rich and warm colors of the falling leaves and thankful for all of God's great blessings. God's provision is all around us all of the time.
I am most thankful for all of my family. Even though in distance, I am most proud of Sarah and Jeff and their following God's will in their lives. And I am sooo thankful for Colin and the joy that he has brought in our lives. And I cannot wait to see him and play with him. I am thankful that Jon is working and really enjoys his job. Then, of course, I am thankful that God has provided a home for Erin. Erin is autistic and I have always called her our free spirit. Several years ago, my faith was very weak concerning her future. I really had a time dealing with my weak faith and getting myself to trust God in all things. Many of you know that my faith was almost completely sapped at that time, but God has an uncanny way of showing Himself to me when I needed it. Family and friends were so important. They rallied around me and my family and there was great protection from Satan taking control.
Many of you are dealing with difficult times in your life. Please, know that God is there and He is working and loves you and wants you to be obedient. He will provide.
I also, am thankful for my dad. He lives with us and he just turned 84. He loves to talk and tells some funny stories and some not so funny and I believe that he is so wise. I am blessed to have my dad.
I am thankful for Ken. He has always been a great provider and served our family in a wonderful way. And he puts up with me.
I am blessed with alot of extended family, even though I do not get to see them as much as I would like to, there are strong bonds of love.
I am thankful for my friends. I love to gab with them and pour out my heart to them and they still love me.
I am so thankful for all the joy filled blessings that have come to me through God's great love. It is a taste of all the good things that are to come.
Have a blessed day!!
Blog to ya later!!