Playing Dress Up!

Cousin Brady's 4th birthday Party! Pirate/Princess theme!

My dress was my high school prom dress 9 years ago. I will be out of town tomorrow, but will have very exciting news to share with you as soon as I get back! I can hardly wait to post for you!

Jesus IS ALIVE, AND SO AM I

Yes, that is me with Karen Kingsbury, an unexpected gift from God I sure don't deserve! Please pray for Steven Curtis Chapman, this man is hurting a great deal as the anniversary of the death of his daughter draws nearer

Mom and I @ Women of Joy out at lunch...

Jenn and I @ Women of Joy

I will try to post some video at some point, but it was taking far too long too upload. Yes, Michael W. was there! I'm going to post some thoughts I began early, but could not post them when I was trying to upload the video earlier.

Thoughts I began earlier:

I know you guys must think I have forsaken the blogging world, but rest assured I have not. I spent time reflecting over Easter about how if there were no cross there would be no empty tomb, and if no empty tomb then, there would be no Savior, and if there is no Savior then I/we have no hope. No hope of forgiveness, No hope of Life here or in heaven! Without Jesus death and Resurrection there is no victory. There is truly no hope at all! This past weekend I went to the Women of Joy conference in Serveille TN with my mom mom and some wonderful friends and I would like to share some of the memories with you all through photos In the mean time, you should know I've found a new love. I have discovered Ephesians. Yes, for crying out I've read it before, but it is as though my eyes are seeing it for the first time! I would encourage you to slowly and prayerfully read it some time. In Chapter 1 it lets us know we are adopted by God through Jesus Christ, and the total motivation behind this adoption is God's love for us! The purpose of this adoption is to bring praise to God's glory, We can never add anything to, or take away from God's glory, His glory does not change, but We can bring him praise! I think it is coolest thing to know that We can give the God of the whole universe something, we can give God praise! Then in Eph. 1:7 we know that through the blood of Christ, we are forgiven, are being forgiven and will be forgiven! Then, if you flip over to Chapter 2, the heading is Made Alive in Christ! Let me stop here, and offer a disclaimer. I will not debate issues of predestination, I"m wresting with these matters myself, and likely will for the rest of my natural life, so I am not allowing myself to get bogged by this concept, to the point that I miss the reality hope and wonder of the gospel message! In Chapter 2, God through Paul, explains that we were dead in sin, but I'm so glad there is a but... God because of his great love and mercy for us made us Alive in Christ! I don't know about you sometimes I don't react as one who has been made alive, and yet God says because you are mine, you are alive! YOU ARE ALIVE, BECAUSE JESUS IS ALIVE! My friend Jenn has this phrase "I'm coming Alive" I don't think that means we are to be "up all the time" but from my limited knowledge, we can live more in the reality of Jesus is alive, and know that because He is alive, we too can forever live, not just in heaven, but even now!

Easter Picture Story 2010- Spiritual reflections soon!

  First pic of all three of us in about 3 years!  Justin got hit with a softball yesterday, so that is the bump on his forehead.Cousin Brady 3Jocelyn 4My Aunt always sets the table so beautifully! Brady & Jackson-Brothers 3 years and 1 years

                                                     Adult Easter Hunt for couples.

Loved Her Still By T.J. Ellis

What happened to that girl?

That girl who thought she could change the world

That girl who believed nothing was out of reach

That girl who saw the best in the worst

I wish I knew where she was

Where are the fire in her eyes and the song in her heart?

Where is that girl who believed?

Where did her passion go was it swallowed in apathy?

That girl must have lost her way.

That girl pretended that all was just as it had always been.

The change was not instant it happened over time

Nothing would ever be the same again

She could not go back and undo what she did.

Her mind never let her forget.

She lived in a world of silent flashbacks.

If they knew her thoughts, they would disown her for sure

After all she wasn't pure.

They did not see the layers of anger and shame.

They thought she was smart, but she knew the truth.

She was not smart, but what she lacked in intelligence, she replaced with effort

One day she came off the pedestal, and fell to her knees.

It was there lonely and broken she found her King

She could hardly breathe.

She expected to be cast out of His sight.

She had failed her task

Instead He stood before her with love in His eyes.

His Arms open wide.

All her life she had wanted a love like this

No matter how stupid she thought she was, or how inferior she felt.

He loved her still!

 

Can You Count?

Hi,

First, thank you Beth & Dee for your compassionate responses. The Lord knows his plans for me, and He is worthy of my trust and praises!
The Lord is never late... I am counting a few of my TONS of blessings today! Want to come along?
1. God has healed my mom numerous times and provided for me!
2. I was able to sit in the sun today.
3. The Lord uses music to make me smile!
4. People pray for me often.
5.I have the most loyal friends.
6. I have a bed, and clean drinking water.
7. The Lord forgives me constantly.
8. I have a van with a lift
9. The Lord is teaching me new things
10. I have a nice morning caregiveer.
11 Macy is staying here, even though my brother is moving out.
12 Today is a pain free illness free day!
13. The weekend is here.
14. I am loved.
15. Crossing paths with old friends.
16 Fun time
17. Victory is mine.
18. Easter is coming.
19. Heaven awaits me.
20 The ability to laugh.


God cares... He cares about me, and he cares about you! He knows me, and He still accepts me! God covers me in righteousness! His eyes are on me, and His eyes are on you! The Lord knows how to rescuse me, and that is what he has done not only for me, but so many of his children! Every blessing comes from His hand!

Pulling hair out! Venting!

Hello,

Warning there is no telling what this post may be about. I have been trying to send an e-mail out to over 100 people for 2 hours for my volunteer work. My email provider refuses to send the message, because it says it contains too many contacts. The ironic thing is, that only one contact has been added since the last mailing. It is an urgent prayer request that one of the volunteers/former staff asked me to send out ASAP.

It is time for the Walk For Life fundraiser and I have no clue how to involve my church in this, because there so much happening in the spring. I have been trying to meet with one of our church staff since Feb about personal matters without any family involvement which totally makes little sense now that I'm posting about it on a public blog. The truth is there are aspects of CP I hate, and I hate myself for that. I don't hate everything about in fact not even most things, but one thing I hate is the lack of control and privacy I have in my life. I hate that someone else has to know when I have to go to the bathroom, and that I can't do that by myself, but instead in that respect I am less than a toddler. I hate that the people who care for me have more control over my body than I do. I don't like to focus on these things, because it is self centered. I am healthy and for now mom is well! I am going to devote an entire entry to the wonders God has done in my life and the life of my family. For now, Lord please have mercy on me, and allow me to lay aside all the yucky stuff inside me I don't like that I cannot be left in the house alone, because there is a slim possibilty that the house might catch on fire and I cannot get out on my own. Okay all better.... Thank you all for indulging me, and my temper tantrum.

Mom's amazing Praise Report,,,,

God continues to amaze me with his Greatness and wonders! Here is my mom's latest Praise Report, if you know how bleak things seemed a week ago, then you know how awesome this is! I am so very thankful! Please praise God with me! Thank you for praying!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please keep doing so!
Here is the report!

T.J.

God has blessed me with more good news today and I just needed to share it with all you great prayer warriors and friends! I spent almost three hours at the ear, nose, and throat specialist today. I had a hearing test and I guess in about 10 to 15 years I may need a hearing aid! Ha! Truthfully I have lost some hearing over the years and I guess it was from all of that hard rock I listened to in the 70's and 80's! It also may be from the Faulkner side of the family which seems to have that problem as we age. It aint no fun to get old! Ha! The PET scan had shown an enlarged lymph node on the right side under my jaw area. Dr. Armstrong did a thorough exam of the area and then took a camera into my nose and throat area and discovered something that shocked both of us. I have had an abscessed cyst in my throat. He has given me an antibiotic and wants to see me back in 6 weeks to make sure it doesn't return. He also wants to see me again after my next Pep Scan to see if the area still shows up on the PET scan. I was very pleased with the report and give God the praise again for allowing this not to be cancer. I am so thankful to him that all of these reports seem to get better each time we see a doctor. The rest of the reports will be back on March the 19, and I will update you then. I just want to thank you for all of the prayers that you have lifted up on my behalf and also for all the cards, email, and phone calls. I am so blessed to have so many people who care and pray for me daily. Thank you!! Love, Madeline

Don't miss the Sunsets!

Picture from Google images and Lodgingforvacations.com

I am home with the end of bronchitis... I feel fine, but if I talk for any period of time, I s start to cough like mad. I did not go to Choices today, but none of this is what I wish to share with you. The last few weeks, my life seems to be one roller coaster after another, and yesterday nearly every fear I have suppressed came roaring to the surface. It was not that something bad happened, in fact the potential for something good seems to be possible. Still all day yesterday, it seemed there was this dark cloud of fear and hopelessness around me. i went outside yesterday, and the breeze and the warmth of the sun, and this is what I sensed the Lord whisper into my soul! "Don't worry about tomorrow child." "Don't let the troubles of tomorrow, rob you of joy today." You would be right if you are now saying to yourself the Bible has always said this it is nothing new. I have heard it so many times, but the reality of that has brought condemnation to me not freedom. That is until yesterday... Yesterday was different, yesterday it was like a breath of fresh air. I have been so bogged down by the fear of what could be that I have missed the joy of what is. What is is that my mom is here with me. What is, is that at this moment my NEEDS are met. What is, is that, the only place my focus needs to be is upon the here and the now. What is is that Jesus has gone to prepare a place for me. There are few guarantees in this life, and that is the part that lately has shaken me. Sometimes isn't just a day at a time, sometimes it is one hour or one minute. As a person with a battle with anxiety there is nothing more bizarre or shocking to my system than living in the moment. I don't want to miss the joy of now, because of my fear of later. The Lord knows I cannot handle the what if of tomorrow, all I can take hold of and should take hold of is the what is of today! I don't want to miss the sunset moments, because there is a possibility of rain.

Popsicles, and Shades of Blue!

From Google Images....

FROM Google Images...

These are two of my favorite things right now. Edy's all fruit Popsicles. Last Friday after training at Choices, I came home, and slept for several hours, I had a sore throat and stuffy nose, but a few days later after some rest I was feeling so much better. I ate a few Edy's Popsicles that week. I was able to go to Choices on Thursday, and we very busy and very shorthanded. I have been doing better with the whole thing with mom, in fact been more at peace than I've been in a very long time from an emotional and spiritual standpoint. Now the last couple of days, I have had a bad dry cough, drainage and wheezing. I feel like such a wimp, it seems like my body just does not handle or get over things as fast, as other people. Here my mom is fighting her health issues far more serious, and she is working just the same. Anyway If you have dry mouth these Popsicles are wonderful! Also if you are a Karen Kingbury fan and have not yet read Shades of Blue, I'm a little more than a hundred pages in, and love it, but if you are a first time Kingbury reader, I suggest you not start with this book, but try the first 4 books in the Redemption Series. I'm glad God's Mercies are new each day! Lam. 3:23. I am starting with a new morning caregiver on Monday. I know this post may not be the most encouraging, but I have lots of insights to share when I'm up to it. It has been nice to see a few folks commenting lately, thanks for the encouragement. My mom has a pelvic Scan on Monday, possibly a biopsy, and will see the ear/nose/throat specialist on March 10Th.

Good News!

Hi,

Thank you for your prayers and interest in my mom! I wanted to you give you some wonderful news! My mom's Liver scan came back clear no cancer in the liver! She is having tests run on other suspious areas, but no news yet. Thanks for your prayers! This is a much better week than last. I will try to post something fun soon!

My Mom’s health Update

Iam posting the entry from my mom's caringbridge site

Well, I sure never dreamed that I would be posting on this website again! Never Say Never!! I am in need of your prayers and I thought this would be the best way for me to let some of you know what has occurred during the past few day. You all have carried me through two reoccurrences of cancer and I know that you faithful prayers warriors will lift me up again in the coming days.
On Feb. 15, 2010, I had a PET scan as a follow up to make sure I was still in remission. Well yesterday I received two phone calls from two different doctors while teaching class. When you get two phone calls from two different doctors in the middle of teaching a class, then you know that the news cannot be that great! To be brief, I have four areas of concern on the PET SCAN! Two of the area are the same as my last cancer and shows a small hot spot in both areas (groin area and anal area). The third areas that looks suspicious is a small area in the liver. The forth area just show a lymph node under my jaw area that seems to be enlarged. I will have to say that the doctors sure got moving on this fast when they received the report. So I will have a MRI of my liver this Thurs. and I will see my surgeon on Friday morning. My surgeon wants to go over everything with me and determine if we need to do some type of biopsy. I am sure that this will be a long drawn out process of all types of test again. Remember I have been through this several times before. God has taught me through previous times to let him work out the timing for everything and that is what I plan to do. They have also already sit up an appointment for me to see a specialist about the enlarge node under my jaw and that will not take place until March 10th.
I still have faith that God is in control and that he has a plan for me. All of this may not be as bad as it sounds. I again have found myself looking to God and letting him know that I am trusting him in what ever is in the future. I am asking for your prayers in the coming days. God has already provided me with much grace and peace. Again, I find myself repeating: Psalm 91: 1 and 2, "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." I am thanking all of you in advance for your continued prayers. God Bless You! With Much Love, Madeline Posted on T.J.'S blog....

Nugget of encouragement

http://reblog.zemanta.com/zemified/b425f3b4-7f80-42a5-a452-8bd34b19a460/ Nugget of encouragement If you have a disability I know this will encourage, you, but even if you don't I'm confident it will still minister you.

My chair is currently in the mechanic shop, and the spare chair I am using really is almost impossible to use or manage in public. Some time maybe I will want to write about my journey with CP, but I have not felt that has a place on this blog up to this point. Hope you enjoy the link to the devotional above. BTW is anyone still reading my post out there??? Ha!

What's in your Pudding?

Photo from www.Dailyapple.blogspot.com

Hi Groupies:

I was going to post snow pics from last weekend, but mom already deleted the pics off her camera before I could upload the pictures here. I hope you like the color of this font, it is one of my favorite colors. This is another one of my Saturday posts. I wrote at the beginning of the year, that my theme for the year will be take Me Higher. One way I want to be taken higher is in my love for Christ and others. I don't mean out of obligation, because real love isn't out of guilt or ritual, but comes from relationship. If ever there were one worthy of my love it is my Creator and Savior! He loved me first! Before I knew what love was, He was loving me! If you came into my bedroom right you would discover that there are at least 2 things I love, movies, and music! I own all kinds of movies. The next ones I would like to buy are: "Tyler Perry's "I Can Do Bad All By Myself, and The Blindside" I want to see "Love Happens" & The remake of Fame" I know you must be thinking okay you are so "ADD" you started writing about loving Jesus, and now you are writing about loving movies? Stick with me, there is a connection here. As far as music goes, I like 60's 70's A tiny bit of Country music, and a lot of " Christian music" I could say more about that, but it would get me off track. It would be easy to come to the conclusion I love movies, but it is not always as simple to determine or measure a person's love for Christ. I have Bible Verses on my wall, and I go to church regularly, but none of this is proof that I love Christ or others. In Fact, there are those who outwardly claim to love Jesus, but it goes no further than religious objects. Jesus gives direction on how can examine if we love Him. Remember that saying the Proof is in the Pudding? John 15:10 If you keep My Commandments, you will abide in my love; just I have kept My Father's Commands and abide in His Love." Real Love goes deeper than outer appearances or superficial gestures. If you are at all like me, you may talk and hear a lot about grace, but find yourself rarely waking in it daily, but the joy comes in walking a little more in the reality of grace, than the day before. I had a light bulb moment this morning. I hope it really sinks in, and doesn't not just leave as fast as it came. I cannot truly love God without loving the people He Created, and I cannot truly love people without loving The Creator. I know that thought did not originate with me. Though the wording is different the concept can be found in 1 John 3 & 4. I really have to with God's help, love each member of my family better, before I can transfer that love to a lost and hurting world. Can you relate? What keeps you from loving God, and people more? I can think of a lot of things that keep me from loving God and others better, but the number one reason is S-E-l-F. FYI I LOVE SATURDAYS!

Desiring the Higher things,

So, What is on your menu?

Google Images

Hi,

Hope you all are enjoying your Saturday. It has been a snow filled Saturday for us here. A little over 4 inches where I live. It is unheard of to have three snows in a year here, and winter is likely far from over. I will try and post some pics later.

It has been hard to do a many of my projects without Microsoft Excel or Word. I am using a low grade of Open Office, and holding my breath that it will stay in one piece when I get the programs, as far as the formatting.

Anyway, I think lately I have kind of gotten away from what this blog is about which is to glorify God. That can be done a number of ways, but it cannot be done through pessimism or silence. As I sit here drinking my Ice Tea, one verse comes to mind. Matthew 5:6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." I am quick to want filling, but how hungry and thirsty am I for righteousness? Sure I'm hungry for food, hungry for attention, affection. I'm thirsty for approval, a good story. Can it be said the same for righteousness? There is nothing right apart from Christ, as He is All that is RIGHT! When I am quick to pursue other lovers to be filled, I am disappointed every time. I am stubborn and want to control things, but the Bible says I will be blessed and filled if I pursue more of Christ, and less of me. See John 3;30. In a world where finding ourselves is seen as the goal, how do we die to self focus and shift to Christ focus? Any thoughts?

A Different Kind of Post.....

from Google images....

Hi Blogger Pals:

Can I share a few of my own pet peeves with you, and then I'll tell you what I'm thankful for right now.

Pet Peeve;

1. Judgement from non- expressive people about people who freely express emotions. Whatever the emotion may be. Warnning advice from a Non Parent.... Please encouurage your children to express emotions, such as anger, hurt, disappointment, Joy. Allow them to see you expressing such emotions whenever possible. Let them know that tears are okay and nothing to be ashamed of don't jut say it, but convey it....

I'm thankful that God's word id ever so timely... I'm thankful for downtime. I'm thankful to have a family that at the end of the day can lay everything else aside, and pull together in a crisis. I'm thankful good times out way trials and that in heaven all that is wrong will be made right......

Praise Reports!

Hi Bloggers:

I have missed being in the blogging area lately. I have a new computer tower, Praise the Lord. It is still like starting over though, because I do not currently have Microsoft or Excel the two primary programs I use for my volunteer work and other projects, but hopefully I can buy those soon, since we have been unable to find the original software package to reinstall it. Honestly, I know I'm a spoiled brat, when I say this, but I've been around computer since I was five years old, and cannot fathom life without access to a computer long term. I know how selfish that is, but the computer allows me do so many things I could not do otherwise. I hope to catch up on your blogs this week. I have been promoting Sanctity of Human Life Sunday at church last week and this week. Just between me and the whole blogging world, I am prayerfully considering stepping down as church liaison in the near future. Of the volunteering I do at my local PRC Liaison is the one I feel most inadequate for. I will not make any rash decisions though.
Also for those of you, who have been praying for my friend Sandra, I want to let you know that God has answered our prayers. She has been able to get long term disability without an appeal! My Mom went for blood work yesterday, and all her blood counts were low, but not dangerously so. It is a result of all the radiation she has undergone. Otherwise she is doing well, Please pray for my" former Annalist" Linda who lost her second husband last weekend unexpectedly. This is the second time she faced with being a widow.

I have started the Beth More Bible study Esther. with one of the ladies minintries here in town, and I have to leave my house in 5 minutes for that. Just wanted to drop by...

computer no More!

Hello,

I know that in light of all that is happening in the world right now, this is trivial, but just wanted to let you know my computer tower bit the dust. I'm on a borrowed laptop, don't know when I can blog again. THANKS!

CNSNews.com - Pro-Life Advocates Plan to Protest Opening of Largest Abortion Clinic in U.S.

CNSNews.com - Pro-Life Advocates Plan to Protest Opening of Largest Abortion Clinic in U.S.

Posted using ShareThis

Take Me Higher!

Hi

Hope you all are enjoying a nice beginning to 2010. As you can tell, our family has had a lovely Christmas break. I kinda dread getting back into the swing of things. I have had a total break from home health drama, and it has been glorious... Speaking of glorious, It has been worderful getting extra time at the feet of Jesus, and enjoying true friends. I am so blessed that my family is healthy. It such a blessed way to start the new year. Many people I know, are battling pain and suffering right now, and it is my honor to take others to the Father in prayer, as so many people have done for my family. If you would like to pray for some of these requests with me, I'll post a list.
1. My friend Sandra was laid off from work on December 30Th, while on short term disability from surgery.
2. A fellow blogger friend lost her brother this week to cancer.
3. Jennifer's friend Lisa is dealing with recovery from a brain injury from a serious car wreck. It happened while on the mission field in Thailand as I understand it she has come a long way, but not been able to return to USA.
4. Blogger friend Glenda in need of prayer.
5. Sandra's friend Nancy just recently found out she has cancer, undergoing chemo.
6. Friends with strained marriages.
7. Local mom killed by drunk driver, leaves behind husband, children, age 9 and 11.
Those are only a few. Thanks!

I think there was a song by Creed called "Take me Higher in the 90's. I remember it well, but not totally sure I have the title correct. In 2010, I want to be taken to the higher things. I don't have a to do list like some, but I do have a theme. I am calling "Take me Higher. I also have a theme verse. Col 3:2. "Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things." What does this mean? I'm still discovering that, and likely will be for the rest of my life. Does it mean, I have to wear Jesus freak shirts every day, I hope not, because I got some really cool clothes for Christmas I'm itching to wear. Simply put, my hope and desire is to view life and the world more like Jesus. I know I will fail daily, and I'm becoming more and more okay with that. Just because I will fail, does not mean I should not rely on the Holy Spirit for help, to be "taken to the higher things in Christ." Teach me Lord, how think, so that I might reach for the higher things found only in you! I'm really liking this thing called grace!

Sometimes pictures speak louder than words!

This is why we Celebrate...

Cousins Jocelyn & Brady... Ages 4 & 3

Mumzie

Bill & Mandy's youngest, Jackson 8 months...

Mom & me!

My brother & my mom

Bill & Mandy's Oldest son Brady 3

My Girl Jocelyn... She came into our family through Bethany Christian Services by God's grace.

Jocelyn's Mommy & daddy.

My brother's new TV from Santa

My Satnta stuff!

Christmas Eve @ our house we went to a Christmas Eve service at another church here in town

My 2 best friends came over who happen to be twins... Jennifer & Michelle. This is Michelle's 16 Month old Alex with Macy!

How Amazing!

How Amazing
By: T.J. Ellis
December 24, 2009
©
How amazing that the Eternal One came in human flesh
He made the stars and the heavens in all of its glory.
He gave life by his Holy Breath!
None compare with The Everlasting God above
He is Powerful and Mighty
He is righteous and true
He is Love.
He came to forgive me and you.
He is Pure
He is Light
He is the star, shining brightly in the night.
He came in the flesh as a baby, such a glorious gift for all of mankind.
What an awesome sight that must have been.
The Savior arrived for humanity to witness.
The angels announced the Savior’s coming upon the earth.
The Shepherds marveled with wonder at their words.
Peace itself rests in Mary’s arms.
The hope of sinners has come!
History was made as that baby grew into a man, and died upon a cross to save.
Rising from the grave,
The chains of bondage have fallen away.
All because Jesus came with love so great!

Esther: Called to Pray · Max Lucado

Esther: Called to Pray · Max Lucado

The Gift of Gifts, and a few others...

Google Images.... Read post for info

The Howell Family

Hi Readers:

Normally before I begin a blog, I have usually already planned in my head an least an idea of what I will write, unless of course I'm venting, and then I make no promises. I suppose it is the writer in me, that knows that before I put something out for publication, it must be orderly to some degree I have been known to edit my post more than once sometimes months after a post. I tell you this, because I've never been known as the type to" fly by the seat of my pants" Today I really have no plan. I'm thinking about the gift that began it all today! The gift that changed my destiny forever. The gift that all other gifts cannot compete with. I am not picky about gifts. I would be perfectly okay if I never got another material gift. I tend to be touched more by sentimental gifts like photos or relationships. Let me tell you first about the greatest gift of all others, and then I'll share a few others I'm enjoying!

Isa. 9:6 " http://www.bibleresources.com/ For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Jesus truly is the real Gift that Keeps On Giving." The greatest gift of all time is Jesus! Jesus is relevant not just in the life to come, but He is relevant in the here and now! When God came in the flesh, He came to save me from my sin. I often wonder if He saw my face, as He spoke later about coming into to the world to save sinners. The neatest part about the Good News, is that it is available to all people, yet the Invitation is intimately personal! He is my Savior! Whether I recognize it or not, All my expectations are satisfied in him for this life, and the life to come! I am glad I have the greatest gift of all, Jesus.

One gift I got last weekend was the Pleasure of seeing some special friends out of town, as they came to attend a wedding. Their picture is above. Bryan was my high school youth minster, but over time he and his wife Amy became my friends, and gifts from God above. In the picture, is the 2 of them, and their three adorable children who have grown a lot since the picture above When God called them to a church GA two years ago, it was traumatic for me, even as I was happy for them. I still thank God regularly for these special people!

Another gift is the health of my mom as she got a good report from her surgeon yesterday.

2 MATERIAL gifts I got yesterday were: See Above

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!