LOOKIN' IN ON 2010

It seems everyone is writing a "Goodbye 2009" or "Year in Review" post.

So, I will say "goodbye" to 2009, too. It wasn't a bad year for us. It was probably one of our best. Instead of losing a job, (2009 was a bad year for the nation, economically.)
I got a new job. It is a job that is a lot of work and stress, but Jeff says I'm happier when I'm working. Like others have posted, I see so many around me who have gone through or are still going through very difficult times with very serious health issues. I am very thankful that at this point in our lives, our family members are all healthy.

Of course, I have no idea what 2010 holds, but it seems that each year holds at least some blessings from our Lord. I am already blessed by a very wonderful family, extended family and friends. I know I am going to be blessed by the 2 precious new additions to my brother's family. Hopefully they will be able to adopt the girls this year.

Being wife, mom, daughter, sister, in-law, aunt. . .are all blessings all their own.

Being a teacher is a blessing.

I'm lookin' in on 2010, and I'm very excited to open up the blessings that our Lord will have for us all this year!

Now, I'm off to the Youth New Year's Eve Party!

Happy 2010 to you all!

Sandy

THANKFUL THURSDAY

Today, I am thankful for. . .

1. Christmas

2. Time off work

3. Time with family

4. Time spent playing in the SNOW

5. Time spent reading my new LARGE print Bible

Bonus: I am also thankful that my brother

and sister-n-law and nephew

have been blessed with their dream come true. . .

not one baby girl to someday adopt, but

two precious girls, age 7 months and 22 months!

Happy Thankful Thursday and Happy New Year

to you and your family!

Sandy

Join Sonya and others for Thankful Thursday @

http://truth4thejourney.blogspot.com/

READING THE BIBLE THROUGH, DAY 3

Read Isaiah chapters 1-12,
and the book of Titus.

Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born,

and the government will be on His shoulders.

And He will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

and

Titus 2:3-4

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent

in the way they live,

not to be slanderers

or addicted to much wine,

but to teach what is good.

Then they can train the younger women

to love their husbands

and children,

to be self-controlled and pure,

to be busy at home,

to be kind,

and to be subject to their husbands,

so that no one will malign the word of God.

READING THE BIBLE THROUGH, DAY 2

Read Song of Solomon and 2 Timothy. . .



2 Timothy 1:7-9,23-24



For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline

So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me, his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done, but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. And of this gospel, I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know who I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.

What you have heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you--guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.



Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. and the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

TUESDAY GROUP BIBLE STUDY ANYONE????-CONVERSATION PEACE

GOAL #2-SPEAK TO OTHERS IN A LOVING VOICE.

I have decided to see if any of you would like to join me in doing the Bible Study by Mary Akassian,

Conversation Peace

The Power of Transformed Speech

I really hope some of you will join me and make it more fun!

Please let me know if you are in!

READING THE BIBLE THROUGH IN A DIFFERENT WAY

GOAL #1-READ THE BIBLE THROUGH
began on Dec. 29, 2009
Read all of I Timothy and all of Ecclesiastes!
I chose I Timothy, because I have a short Bible Study book, by Elizabeth George, titled I Timothy-Pursuing Godliness.
The Bible study takes the book of I Timothy verse by verse, but I just wanted to begin by reading the whole book from the Bible. My Christmas gift from my parents was a Large Print NIV Life Application Study Bible. I am really enjoying it!

I really enjoyed the whole book of I Timothy.
This is the very last verse of that book:

I Timothy 6:20-21
Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter, and the oppposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith.
Grace be with you.

I chose to begin with Ecclesiastes from the Old Testament, because today's devotion from Journey was the often quoted scripture from that book, about A Time for Everything. I read the whole book of Ecclesiastes and enjoyed its poetic form very much!

Ecclesiastes 12:13
Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the whole duty of man.

GOALS FOR 2010

I'm going to try this Friend Makin' Monday again, since I already have this post with my New Year's Resolutions. Hope I can make some more blogging friends! Happy Monday to you all and I wish you all a Blessed 2010! Join Amber and others for Friend Makin' Monday at http://amberfilkins.blogspot.com/2009/12/friend-makin-mondays-new-years.html

I do need to set some GOALS for this new year, 2010!

The goals that I am setting for this year are goals that I have set before, goals that I have not always succeeded at, and that is why I am still trying for them!

There have been some years that I didn't feel like making new years resolutions, but this year, I am ready to try again!

Here are my Goals for 2010:

1. Read the Bible all the way through.

Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

2. Speak to others with a loving tone of voice.

Proverbs 15:1

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

3. Plan healthy meals for my family.

Proverbs 31:15

She gets up while it is still dark, she provides food for her family. . .

4. Keep my job,

5. be alert to opportunites God provides for me to serve Him, and

6. Write a book.

7. Glorify God.

I Peter 4:7-11

The end of all things is near.

Therefore, be clear-minded and self-controlled, so that you can pray.

Above all, love each other deeply,

because love covers over a multitude of sins.

Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others,

faithfully administering God's grace it its various forms.

If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God.

If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides,

so that in all things, God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

What are your goals for this new year?

Happy New Year!!!

Go to http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/

for more inspirational heartfelt posts.

Sandy

THANKFUL THURSDAY

Today, I want to take time for Thankful Thursday!
Today, I am thankful for the "time in between".

The time between Jesus' birth and his death.
The time between my salvation and today.
The time between my wedding and today.
The time between the birth of our children and their leaving home.
The time between Christmases.

What are you thankful for today?

I am linking up with Sonya at http://truth4thejourney.blogspot.com

CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR

This is the cute Snowman that welcomes you when you enter our front door.This is our second Christmas in this house that we are renting. We still haven't put the house that we built up for sale, but we will! Home is where ever you are, with the ones you love. This is the wreath on the inside of our front door.
This is the shelf filled with just some of the Christmas decorations that we have.

We have 2 boxes that we didn't unpack this year.

Notice our wedding invitation framed on the right side and the handmade angel.

Here is one of our Snoopy light up decorations, just for fun.




This stocking was made by a very sweet lady who worked as my Foster Grandmother, several years ago. She has gone to heaven, now.

This latch hook Santa was made by my aunt.

She went to heaven in 1984.

This is our tree with gifts under it.

Our 1st Christmas together ornament is

right in the center of the tree.

This is part of our mantle.

What do we Believe in?

We Believe in Jesus.

This is our other Snoopy light up decoration,

with our Priorities wall hanging still on the wall.

(We take down most of our everyday

decorations, but not all of them.)

This wooden stocking was made for us

by a a special friend/co-worker of my husband's

many years ago.

Merry Christmas!

Go to

http://redswriting.blogspot.com/2009/12/twoc-tour-of-homes.html

for more Christmas Home Tours.

Friend Makin' Monday- All I Want For Christmas. . .

I'm barely getting in on this Friend Makin' Monday, but I am!

So today's FMM theme is. . .

"All I Want for Christmas"

Truly, in all ways, for everyone, all I really want is. . .

peace. . .at the Christmas dinner table,

peace. . .in each of our hearts,

PEACE on EARTH!

When my Husband and my Mom asked me to please tell them what they could buy me for Christmas. . .

what I really, truly needed, so that I could see to read the Bible, was a
GIANT PRINT BIBLE!

I did just empty the bottle of perfume that my sister-in-law gave me for my birthday, so . . .

this is a nice gift to get from my husband. It's okay that I have "no surprises". We like to shop together. He still wrapped my gifts up very beautifully, and I will unwrap them on

Christmas morning!

Last year, my Mom bought me a pair of short brown boots, and my Husband bought me tall black boots. I still wear both of them, but have already gotten them scuffed up, by kneeling down, working with my students.

My husband took me shopping. I wanted a pair of brown boots. He bought a pair of brown and a pair of black!, and almost a pair of red boots!

So. . .those are the gifts that I already know I am getting, but know that I will enjoy!

What I really want is to be with all of my family members, and for us all to enjoy being together and focus on JESUS!

What do you want this year for Christmas?

"Wrapped"

Luke 2:7ESV

And she gave birth to her firstborn son and

wrapped him in swaddling cloths and

laid him in a manger,

because there was no place for them in the inn.

This is a combined post for Spiritual Sundays and for Red Writing's Twelve Weeks

of Christmas-Week 11-Gift Wrapping Contest.

I would never win a gift wrapping contest. My husband does most of our wrapping, but we hadn't gotten any wrapping done before today, so I did wrap the gifts shown above for our granddaughter.

All day, as I have thought about the word "wrapped", the above verse keeps coming to my mind. I keep thinking of Mary as she wrapped swaddling cloths around baby Jesus. I think of the day in June, 23 1/2 years ago, when I gave birth to my firstborn son. The above pictures are of my husband and my sister-in-law wrapping their arms around my son, with love.

Just think about how much love Mary had in her heart as she wrapped her arms around baby Jesus.

Just think about how much love Jesus had in his heart, when he wrapped his arms around the children who came to listen to Him.

Just think about how much love God has for each of us, as he wraps his love around us everyday.

I hope you do know the love of Jesus.

I wish you a Merry CHRISTmas!!!

Sandy

Go to http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/

for more heartfelt, inspirational posts,
and to http://redswriting.blogspot.com/2009/12/twoc-gift-wrapping.html

for some beautiful gift wrapping ideas.

My 'GONNA MISS THIS. . .MOMENT(s)

My 'Gonna Miss This. . .moments for this week are:

making things in the kitchen for and with my kids,

basketball games,

one coming home from college, and

just having conversations.

My ALREADY MISS THOSE MOMENTS for this week are:

school and church music productions, piano and voice recitals, and class parties!

What are your moments this week that you know you are going to miss someday?

Link up with us at

http://pramom26.blogspot.com

THANKFUL THURSDAY

Today, I am thankful that. . .

1. my youngest son led a classmate to the Lord at school!

2. the young man who accepted Christ came to church last night, and brought his brother and another friend with him!

3. we have the GOOD NEWS to share with others all year.

4. my daughter will be home from college this afternoon!

5. Jesus gives us all a reason to LIVE!

What are you thankful for today?

I'm joining others at http://truth4thejourney.blogspot.com/

SIESTA SCRIPTURE MEMORY TEAM/PRAYING FOR BETH MOORE

This is a bittersweet post. Tears are already coming to my eyes. I am writing this early (late Sunday afternoon), but early to be ready to post tomorrow for Scripture Memory Monday, and for 1st & 15th Siesta Scripture Memory team, after reading Beth Moore's post.

When Beth asked us at Thanksgiving to comment about 1 thing that we were thankful for this year, that we didn't think we would be, I didn't comment, like many others, who did comment that this Scripture Memory was the thing that was a surprise thing they were thankful for. Not that it wasn't for me, I just didn't comment at that time.

I knew then that it had been something very special for me, but I don't think I realized HOW special until now. . .when December 15 is approaching! The last "1st & 15th" for this year of Scripture Memory that began on January 1, 2009!

Actually, I still don't know if I can quote very many scripture verses from memory, but I have a few over 24 passages, way over 100 single verses written by hand in my little, ragged, spiral notebook, and typed on my blog, and impressed on my heart and mind. I can find them, and I can meditate on them whenever I need them. I hope to be able to say them all, almost completely from memory for my friend, in Houston in January!

When I chose the scripture to end this year with, I chose one that I had written down in my notebook and typed on my blog on April 15, when I was working on being a better witness at work, but I don't know if I included it on my comment on the LPM blog or not, because I know I chose Psalm 19:14 for April 15, and then added Collossians 3:12-17, Colossians 4:5-6, I Thessalonians 5:12-14, 2 Timothy 2:23-24, Psalm 54:2, and I Peter 4:10-11.

I have written on the back flap of my little spiral:

Dec. 15

1 Peter 4:10-11NIV

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in it's various forms.

If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God.

If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things

God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power, forever and ever. Amen

This is also a bittersweet post because one of God's servants, Beth Moore, is recuperating from surgery. She is recuperating and enjoying some much needed rest and one on one time with God. That is good. I am praying for her, as I know many others are, too.

I am so thankful for how God has used and continues to use Beth. I have been ministered to by her many times, and I know many others have, too.

I am so thankful for this year of scripture memory.

SUNDAY SONG

"Hallelujah (Light Has Come)" Lyrics

by BarlowGirl from the album Home For Christmas

Hmmm my Baby

Heaven sent you to me

All the worlds been praying

Who will Save?

But who am I

That here tonight

I hold the one

Who’ll Bring us life

Hallelujah,We’ve been found

A child is born

To save us now

Hallelujah light has come

A Savior who will set us free

A Promise for those who believe

Do you hear the Angels

Sing for you my baby

Men and kings have come to

Bow to you

But here in my arms

So close to me

The son of God

Now all can see

Hallelujah We’ve been found

A child is born to save us now

Jesus Halleluiah light has come

A savior set us free

So praise to God on high

He has heard our cry

CHURCH FAMILY NIGHT AT CHRISTMAS

I'm writing another post for Keelie's Week 10-Holiday Parties and for Spiritual Sundays, as I prepare for and look forward to tomorrow night's "Family Night at Christmas".

UPDATE: We are home from the "Family Night at Christmas" and it was a lot more fun than we could imagine! The Family Life Center was transformed into a beautiful candlelit dining hall, with tables set up for 300 people. There was a lot of delicious food. The church pastoral staff had videoed some comical skits for us, and then they sang serious Christmas carols. Next, a high school boy and his brother who was about 6 years old, sang Christmas Shoes, and they received a standing ovation. They were followed by the Preschool choir. The finale was the children's choir doing a rap song about Jesus' birth, with glowing colored balls. It was a very nice evening!

I have been to many of those at different churches, and it is always a special time to celebrate with fellow believers.

Tomorrow night's is sure to be special, as we purchased tickets to pay for the meat, but are also asked to take a vegetable, salad or dessert, and a non-perishable food item offering, and each of the age group choirs will be performing.

A lot of work goes into the preparation by different church members as they decorate, move furniture, set up a stage, practice, and prepare food. I pray that everyone remembers why they are doing all that they do and cooperate with each other in love, as a church family.

I pray the same prayer for families as we plan our Christmas celebrations.

Below is another recipe that is a family favorite. It is the vegetable that I am taking for tomorrow night's church Family Night at Christmas. I like that it is red and green.

COPPER PENNIES (CARROTS)

2 lbs. carrots

1 small onion (optional)

1 small green pepper (optional)

Marinade:

10 oz. tomato soup

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup salad oil

3/4 cup vinegar

1 tsp. mustard

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

Cut carrots in serving pieces and boil 3 minutes, then drain.

Chop onion and pepper separately. Alternate layers of carrots, onions and pepper in dish.

Combine ingredients for marinade. My recipe says to bring to a boil and to continue cooking and stirring until thick. I have used another recipe just like this, except it said to blend the marinade in the blender. I like to boil it.

Pour the marinade over the vegetables.

Serve hot or cold. (We always eat it cold, but I always take a bite of it while it's warm, too, and it is great both ways. I did not go down the side of the table that it was on tonight, so I did not get any of it at the dinner. It was all eaten.)

Go to http://redswriting.blogspot.com/2009/12/twoc-holiday-parties.html

to join in on the 12 Weeks of Christmas sharing,

and to http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/

for a lot more heartfelt, inspirational posts.

Thank you Ginger and Charlotte for this wonderful weekly blog spot!

PSALM SATURDAY/SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS

Psalm 29:11NIV

The Lord gives strength to His people;

the Lord blesses His people with peace.

I have been thinking all day about what to write for Psalm Saturday/Spiritual Sundays. I have read several posts about how we should have CHRISTmas in our hearts all year, and they have been voicing my thoughts exactly.

It is important that we do share Christ and His love with others every day, all year long. It is also important that we do set aside Sunday as a day every week for corporate worship and the Christmas holiday each year to celebrate Jesus' birth.

I chose the above scripture today, because I am needing His strength and His peace.

We all need Him everyday. I just pray we will all claim His strength if we begin to get stressed, hurting in any way, or overloaded this Christmas season, and enjoy His

PEACE.

Go to http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/

for more heartfelt, inspirational posts.

THANKFUL THURSDAY

I really need to write this post. I do have a grateful heart, and can always think of so many things that I am thankful for every day, but. . .my face and tone of voice do not always show it!

Laurie, at Women Taking a Stand, chose the theme of Protection for this week.
Today, among many other things, I am thankful that. . .

1. God gives us each protection in so many ways every day.

2. God protects our kids for us, when we can't be with them.

3. our country is protected by brave men and women.

4. I still have both of my parents.

5. This time next week, Kalyn will be home for Christmas!

I am linking up with others at
http://truth4thejourney.blogspot.com
and
http://womentakingastand.blogspot.com

What are you thankful for this week?

TUESDAYS UNWRAPPED

I need to go to bed, so I will be able to "unwrap" the blessings that this Tuesday will bring, but I'll start it off in early hours of the morning, unwrapping the blessing of having a 16 year old son who. . .

spends every minute he can in personal Bible study,

prays for his family,

asks us to join him in nightly, family devotion time.

I'm also unwrapping the blessing of reading some very inspirational Tuesdays Unwrapped posts.

Join Emily at Chatting at the Sky and unwrap your blessings today.

Twelve Weeks of Christmas. . .Week 10-Parties

"Red Writing's" topic this week is Holiday Parties. Keelie (Red Writing) started off this time telling about her Girlie Party that she hosts for the women in her family and a few close friends. She does it all at that party. . .well, you'll just have to go to her blog to read all about it, if you didn't come here from there.

I guess this year, the only parties I am going to are "office parties", but not really "office parties" like the big company parties. Last year, we went to the Rotary Club party, but this year, we went to Jase's basketball game instead.

The bank party was at the bank, but it was catered, and the food was very good. Jeff also found a recipe in a magazine that he wanted us to take, and we had fun making it together.

Corn and Black Bean Salad with Chili-Lime Dressing

Ingredients

3/4 cup olive oil

Juice of one large lime, about 1/4 cup

2 T. chili powder, or to taste

1 tsp. salt, or to taste

1/2 tsp. pepper, or to taste

3 cups frozen corn, thawed

1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

2 tomatoes, diced

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

1/2 cup diced green bell pepper

3 to 5 green onions, thinly sliced

Directions:

In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, salt and pepper. Add corn, beans, tomatoes, cilantro, bell pepper and green onions. Toss well and refrigerate.

The only entertainment at the bank party is always what is sometimes (like on Keelie's post), described as "Chinese" gift exchange. Jeff always calls it. . .for some reason, Blogger won't publish what Jeff calls it! It's not bad!

As for "Ugly Sweater" parties. . .I am one that still wears the sweaters to work and church and at home, every day from Dec. 1-25, and sometimes past Christmas Day, if we are still celebrating with family.

My work party is next week, at a cafe, from 4-6 p.m., with an Ornament Exchange.

Jase does not have a basketball game that day, so I am looking forward to it.

I'm not a real socialite, but I do think we should try to take the time to have fun with our co-workers and develop relationships.

What kind of Holiday Parties do you enjoy?

Join the fun at Keelie's TWOC Blog Party!

http://redswriting.blogspot.com/2009/12/twoc-holiday-parties.html

PSALM SATURDAY. . .SPIRITUAL SUNDAY

Psalm 46:10

"Be still, and

Know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth."

I have been still this morning, reading my Bible, and reading others' posts about keeping Christ in Christmas, including Collette's excellent post at http://jesuslovesmums.blogspot.com/

It is quiet in the house this morning, while Jeff and Jase are out helping shut-ins from our church put up their Christmas decorations.

The verses above tell us to BE STILL and KNOW that HE IS GOD, and that He is exalted in the earth. Then, the next Psalm is just one of the Psalms that tells us HOW to exalt Him.

Psalm 47NIV

Clap your hands, all you nations,

shout to God with cries of joy.

How awesome is the Lord Most High,

the great King over all the earth!

He subdued nations under us,

peoples under our feet.

He chose our inheritance for us,

the pride of Jacob, whom He loved.

Selah

God has ascended amid shouts of joy,

the Lord amid the sounding of

trumpets.

Sing praises to God, sing praises;

sing praises to our King, sing praises.

For God is the King of all the earth;

sing to Him a psalm of praise,

God reigns over the nations;

God is seated on His holy throne;.

The nobles of the nations assemble

as the people of the God of Abraham,

for the kings of the earth belong to

God;

He is greatly exalted.

My prayer is to exalt Jesus in my life and in my heart everyday.

I pray that the Holy Spirit will dwell in my heart and guide me as

I do have to get busy and do many things today and every day,

for my job, for my family and home, and to celebrate Christmas with others.

I want to do a better job of writing.

Go to http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/

for a lot more inspirational, heartfelt posts!

THANKFUL THURSDAY

Today, like Laurie at http://womentakingastand.blogspot.com/

I am thankful

1. that we are all unique and special, made by God.

2. strengths and weaknesses

I am also thankful today for

3. honest, hardworking people.
4. God's provision.
5. God's perfect plan.

I am also joining Sonya and others at
http://truth4thejourney.blogspot.com/


What are you thankful for today?
Happy Thankful Thursday!

Sandy

OUR CHRISTMAS TREE 2009

Our Christmas tree is a traditional, artificial one, full of 27 years worth of special ornaments. . .stuffed Santas that I sewed by hand (and I don't sew) and apples that I painted-our first or second Christmas. . .a few ceramic ornaments I made. . .many, many ornaments that each of our three children made. . .ornaments made by my Grandma. . .different ornaments that my Mom has given each of us every year. . .different ornaments each year that my sister-in-law, Alyssa paints The Hammocks on. . .ornaments given to us by special friends. . ornaments that belonged to our grandparents. . .Angels. . .Snowmen. . .snowflakes. . Santas. . .our kid's pictures, names and handprints all over the tree. . .

all on one big tree. . .topped with a beautiful, light up angel in a gold dress. . .and the skirt is Snowmen latch hook, made by aunt, who went to heaven in 1984,

a tree full of special memories. . .room for a few more. . .

What does your tree look like this year?

Join in on the fun at

http://redswriting.blogspot.com/2009/11/o-christmas-tree.html