2012 Ended...2013 Was Born

It is 10:51 PM, Dec. 31, 2012

It seems like yesterday was January 1, 2012 and now I'm only 59 minutes from it being January 1, 2013! Let me just say, God has been good to us this year! Of course, that is just another year that He's been good, but I am thankful each day for His goodness.

At the beginning of each new year I find myself wondering what all will take place as the days go by. I'm expecting a good year, and trusting all my friends and family will have one also.

As our family gathered for Christmas I was so thankful we could all be together! We had such a lovely time and had a lot of fun just being together! There's nothing like having our kids home!

Now, we move on into the New Year! I'm really excited to see what God is going to do this year! Could it be He might tell Gabrielle to blow the trumpet so we can all be "HOME" forever?

Many blessings to you and your families! Thank you for being my friend!

Christmas Countdown

It's just a few more days till Christmas, and I haven't finished buying gifts, yet! At times I feel that panic mode, then remind myself that 'll get it done! I always have!

We are really looking forward to a few days with our kids and grandkids! Our granddaughters are growing up way too fast, yet I'm enjoying each stage! They range from pre-teen to little toddlers, so I can enjoy great conversation with the older ones, and cuddle with the babies. What a life!

I have my house decorated with all the Christmas decorations, our nativity, and my Santa collection. I love this time of year! All the green and red that fills our home makes it cheerful and fun!

When I think about the "Reason for the Season," I think of the song..."We are the reason that He gave His life..." Calvary wasn't the first or only time He gave His life. When Jesus came to earth as a baby, He gave His life, for He knew He would have to suffer and be ridiculed, mocked, and crucified! He came with a purpose! My heart overflows with thankfulness, and I am humbled to know how much He loves me...and you.

Yes, Christmas Day is almost here, but while I am approaching the day filled with family, fun, food, and presents, I pause to reflect on the REASON for it all!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Could It Be?

Seeing all the planning of parties, shopping for gifts, and the busyness of life, I have a quiet nagging inside that's saying..."All of the above is well and good, but REALLY...the MOST important happening in my life is the 'twinkling of an eye' trip I'm planning, and Who I'm going to see when I get there!" Friends, don't get too distracted in this world! We have a hope and a promise! My heart is singing..."

I want to go there; I want to go there.
Christ said I could go; His Word tells me so, the beauties of Heaven to share.
I want to go there. I mean to go there!
My mansion awaits, just inside those gates, and I want to go there!"

Do you think we just might be spending this Christmas where roses never fade, and the light we see shining is coming from the throne because JESUS, the light of the world is there?

Lift up your eyes and look to the sky...HE'S COMING!

Something to Make You SMILE

I couldn't resist to bring you a couple of pictures that I KNEW would make you smile! How can anyone resist smiling when you see FOUR SWEETHEARTS with Santa? Of course, I'm sure I'm the one that's smiling bigger than anyone else since they're my GRANDdaughters!
I love this one of Savanna. She loved her new doll I got her for Christmas. Alayna said the doll looks like Savanna. I think I have to agree.
To my four lovely granddaughters...I love you SO MUCH I can't stand it! (hugs and kisses to you all) I could squeeze you to pieces if I could get my arms around you right now!

There you have it "blog world". I hope these sweet pictures brought you a SMILE!

Mimi...What If...

It has been a "hustle, bustle time of year" around our home, and we have enjoyed our family being with us so very much. I will post pictures and a post later, but our little Ashlyn, three years old said something to me as she was getting ready to get in the car to leave to go home with her parents that will not leave me alone. After all of the gifts she received for Christmas her little mind went back to the "real reason for it all." I can hear her little voice as she asked..."Mimi, what if we were all in one room and all of us opened just one present, then...JESUS walked in?" I answered by saying, "Oh, Ashlyn that would be AWESOME! That would be a whole lot better than Santa Claus, huh?" And to that she replied, "Yes, ma'am!"

As this day has been passing by I find myself in the quiet of my home. The kids are gone back to their homes, my Christmas decorations are all put away, and my house is clean, so I am relaxed and pondering over the Christmas holiday, and Ashlyn's voice keeps resounding in my mind.

I sat down at my desk to do some updating on my computer and decided to check the blog world. My sister, Ronda posted the other day about the song that follows.



Out of all the new "things" Ashlyn received for Christmas she brought me back to the reality of what it's all about. JESUS...you're the real reason for it all. Help me remember in my "grown up world" to welcome you into the activities of life, because..."Of all the gifts I may receive, there’s only one I really need. And it’s Your presence, Your presence for Christmas."

Week In Wichita Falls

I stayed in Wichita Falls at my sisters house and had a wonderful time. I got to go to church on Wednesday night and enjoyed seeing everyone! I know you're suppose to go to the prayer room before church, but I just couldn't. :) I felt the pull to go in the sanctuary and visit with those who were already there. If I didn't I wouldn't have a chance after church to see some of the people, so I think God and Pastor Holley will forgive me for missing the prayer room.

Thursday night was the "Ladies Christmas Progressive Dinner" and we rode the trolley's to each home and saw some Christmas lights. I had a wonderful time being with the ladies I've loved all these years. We had appetizers at the Bowen's, steaks and all the trimmings at the Fraziers, then desserts at the Holley's, and a lot of laughter mixed in the middle of it all made for a great evening.

Christmas Sunday At Copperas Cove

At the Ministers and Wives Retreat a few months ago, Pastor and Sis. Donny Hendrick invited us to be with them on Christmas Sunday. Knowing we wouldn't have our own church to celebrate with, they wanted us to be with them on this special day. Wendell preached Sunday morning and Sunday evening we enjoyed the Christmas Cantata, "REJOICE" performed by the choir. The Copperas Cove Choir is great and I sat in amazement as they sang. They sing with passion and power bringing you into the presence of God, and the electricity of excitement. From the very beginning you could tell the musicians and singers had put a LOT of hours into learning the songs, and getting them close to perfect. Being a musician myself, I know the hours that's spent in learning songs of this kind, and I could appreciate the effort. Bro. Elms turned to me and said, "You can tell they have practiced a LOT!"

ONE of the many things I've missed since leaving our church in Wichita Falls is our choir. Life Tabernacle Sanctuary Choir is excellent, and the Copperas Cove Choir reminds me of them. Now, that is about the highest compliment I can give. I do not flatter when I say this. I am very sincere and thankful we were invited to spend this special time with Pastor and Sis. Hendrick and their saints. Thank you all for including us in your church. We feel "at home" when we're with you.

Here is a short slideshow of our weekend. Enjoy!

Christmas Gift Ideas

After writing on my blog last night, I read this on a friends post and wanted to share it with you all.

Christmas gift suggestions:

To your enemy...forgiveness.

To an opponent...tolerance.

To a friend...your heart.

To a customer...service.

To every child...a good example.

To yourself...respect.

To all...charity.

Thank you Pam for posting this on FB. I don't know if you wrote this or not, but it's very good advice for ALL!