Thursday Night

Wednesday afternoon I was asked to teach our Thursday night jr. high youth class and I agreed. Well I didn't have much time to plan and in all honesty didn't put effort into planning a lesson. I was in the mindset that we would do bible charades and pictionary. I also had purchased some Christmas candies that were on sale to share with them. Well right before we left for church I started feeling bad and was just in a horrible mood. No excuse! I should have left my 'tude at the door as I often tell them. I'm not sure why but everything just bugged the crap out of me. I was irritable and moody and was in no position to be teaching those youth. I had forgotten that age group is too cool for those sort of games. Well at least half of them willing participated the other half very unwilling participated. I left church upset and had made up my mind I was never agreeing to teach short notice again.

Of course after much thought about this I have changed my mind as my fellow leaders should be able to call on me last minute in emergencies and request that I teach and I should be able to do it. I need to get a few lessons and put them on stand by for just that kind of situation.

The thing with Thursday night is I had thought about teaching on a Lifesong song called "Trying". The lyrics to this song had struck me on the way to work and well after the class seemed just so fitting. You see those youth, their parents, and my fellow youth leaders entrust me to teach their kids on Thursday nights, whenever called on and well I let them down and more importantly God down. I don't believe those kids took anything from class except that they shouldn't cross Mrs. Shasta when in a bad mood. I so want a redo!! But back to the song. It talks about how I am human and will make human mistakes. Thursday night really showed the kids that I don't have it all together. I'm thinking of writing each one of the youth a letter with the lyrics and maybe burn them a copy of the song too or maybe I'll ask to teach the Thursday we return to jr. high youth. Anyway here are the lyrics to the song and they say what I want to say to everyone. If you are a youth or parent of one of the youth or Tina, I apologize for being unprepared and I'm trying!

Trying by Lifehouse

Could you let down your hair
And be transparent for a while
Just a little while
See if your human after all
Honesty is a hard attribute to find
When we all want to seem like we've got it all figured out
I may be the first to say that I don't have a clue
I don't have all the answers
And god I pretend like I do just
Trying to find my way
Trying to find my way the best that I know how

Well I haven't memorized all the cute things to say
But I'm working on it
Maybe I'll master this art for today
I'd I qoute all the line off the top of my head
And you'd be
I dont understand all of these things Ive read
Im just trying to find my way
Trying to find my way
Trying to find my way the best that I know how

Well I havent drawn it or figured out quite yet
But even if it takes my whole life
To get to where I need to be
And if I should fall to the bottom of the end
I'll be one step back to you
I'm trying to find my way
Trying to find my way
Oh, I'm trying to find my way
Trying to find my way

What'd Ya Get Good?

So this is the question I've heard all day! I know Christmas is not all about the gifts but they are fun to get and give! So my question for you all is what did you give that your thought was the best gift and what did you receive that you thought was great??

I think giving wise for me was the treats we shared with so many people. The best reception of a gift that made the season was we gave our godson Paul the "1940's Donald Duck" DVD. He was asleep when we got there to drop them off so we weren't able to watch him open it, but he called us later that evening and it was just precious!!!

Receiving, I loved all my gifts but would have to go with my new mixer!!!! Oh the food I can make now. I'm thinking there are several baked gifts coming to people in the new year. LOL!!!

Merry Christmas again! Thank you for sharing that link with me Mary Jo! I can't wait to see pictures from home!!

What'd Ya Eat Good?

Ok so now I want to know what you all ate for Christmas and don't skimp on the details!!!

We had breakfast burrito's for breakfast. We snacked for lunch eating brie and crackers and goodies dropped off by family. For dinner we did it up good!! LOL! We baked a Stouffer's
Veggie Lasagna *awesome*, garlic bread and later on we've got store bought pie! Hey, I didn't have my mixer yet ;)!!

Merry Christmas!

Well today is Christmas Eve and the birth of my Lord and Savior! Happy Birthday, Jesus!!

I was standing outside with one of the puppies and a gentleman riding by on his scooter smiled and said, "Merry Christmas!" I returned his smile and said "Merry Christmas" back. I found it comforting hearing those words from a complete stranger on Jesus' birthday. I say this because all season I've heard "Happy Holiday's" and it was refreshing to hear this from a stranger.

May you all have safe travels and enjoy your time with family and friends!! Tonight we are headed to the candlelight Christmas Eve service at our church which is always enjoyable. We are heading out this afternoon for those last minute gifts, to be honest all the gifts this year have been last minute. Tomorrow brings a day of rest and remembrance and phone calls home! To my family in Oklahoma, I send my love and hugs. I wish I were with you this season, but hopefully we will visit soon! I love you all!! God Bless you and yours!!

p.s. my laptop is fixed and I have it back after like 4 months. Talk about going through withdrawal!!!

Last Night

Last night we were heading up to our friend Tina's house for a Christmas party with the boys from Sunday Obsession, their families, and some friends! We were all looking forward to it, but it seems that we were not meant to attend that particular night. Ruth, my mother-in-law, and my "Naomi" fell while trying to go up the stairs there. We moved her into the garage and were surrounded by such love and kindness. Several people offered to bring blankets out and Ruth said she wasn't cold, finally someone didn't listen to her and covered her up anyways. Mark massaged the shoulder that wasn't hurt and Faith sang a beautiful Christmas carol. Richie told us of his day the day before and got her mind off of the pain for just a bit. We called an ambulance and waited and waited. This was very frustrating for Ruth as she was in pain and is used to the ambulance arriving 5 minutes or so after we call. Dwayne was amazingly calm this time around, but I wanted to cry and scream all at the same time. Of course me being me showed none of this. I wanted to take the pain away and felt so helpless that I couldn't. Justin went down to direct the ambulance back to the house and Carey prayed over her with a few others. The trip in felt like forever. Dwayne and I followed and we commented on how well the ambulance driver was doing missing most of the holes in the road and taking the curves so carefully. That was a comfort. However, if you didn't know why they were doing it you would have thought the ambulance driver was drunk and driving all over the road. We got to the hospital about 7 something. She was taken back and we waited to be let back. They took her for x-rays and we found out she had dislocated her shoulder. She still hadn't had hardly anything for the pain when we were back there at 10ish. At 10:30p.m. they knocked her out and reset her shoulder. When we returned she was coming to and back to her spritely self. We got her home about 11:45p.m. and got her ready for bed. She slept in her chair and Dwayne said she was sleeping a bit ago when I messaged him. Pray for her as she will be in quite a bit of pain for a while. She is in a sling and sash that keeps her arm immobile and will be in that I would guess until the New Year. We know for sure until after Christmas. Please pray for as little pain as possible. I so wish I could take it all away from her. I do know someone who can and I am fervently paying her relieve her of the pain.

Oh, while sitting in the waiting area last night I received a text message from one of our youth that had heard what happened and Dwayne received one from another youth voicing concern. We have the most awesome youth!!! I talked with Tina to update her on the situation and she said Justin came in and said "that's it, we're building a ramp." That brought Ruth's spirits up hearing their words spoken from us. Dwayne said, knowing Justin he's out buidling it now!

We love all of you that were there comforting her while she waited and cherish you dearly. May God bless you!!

If God Wrote You A Letter

I am ashamed to say I waited all week to do my Sunday school lesson and today I did it. It was so powerful I must share it with you. We touched on the subject of suicide last night in our youth group and I was left wanting to say so much more and well I think in this letter from our bible study "Come Thirsty" by Max Lucado this letter says it all. The entire letter can be found in scripture and if you'd like those scriptures please let me know. I am only going to post the letter. I ask that you stop, turn off all things distracting and soak in this letter and these promises!! May it move you as it has me!

If God Wrote You A Letter

Dear *insert your name here*,

Are you thirsty? Come and drink. I am One who comforts you. I bought you. I complete you. I delight in you and claim you as my own, rejoicing over you as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride. I will never fail nor forsake you. I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins, yet my grace is sufficient for you. I have cast all your sins behind my back, trampled them under my feet, and thrown them into the depths of the ocean! Your sins have been washed away, swept away like the morning mists, scattered like the clouds. O return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free. Your death is swallowed up in victory. I disarmed the evil rulers and authorities and broke the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Blessed are those who die in the Lord. Your citizenship is in heaven. Come, inherit the kingdom prepared for you where I will remove all your sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. You are worried and troubled about many things, trust me with all your heart. I know how to rescue godly people from their trials. My Spirit helps you in your distress. Let me strengthen you with my glorious power. I did not spare my Son but gave him up for you. Won't I give you everything else? March on, dear soul, with courage! Never give up. I will help you. I will uphold you. Trust in me always. I am the eternal Rock, your Shepherd, the Guardian of your soul. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up, the flames will not consume you. So don't worry. I never tire or sleep. I stand beside you. The angel of the LORD encamps around you. I hide you in the shelter of my presence. I will go ahead of you directing your steps and delighting in every detail of your life. If you stumble, you will not fall, for I hold you by the hand. I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. Wars will break out near and far, but don't panic. I have overcome the world. Don't worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. I surround you with a shield of love. I will make you fruitful in the land of suffering, trading beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, praise for despair. I live with the low-spirited and spirit-crushed. I put a new spirit in you and get you on your feet again. Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes with the morning. If I am for you, who can ever be against you? I throw my arms around you, lavish attention on you and guard you like the apple of my eye. I rejoice over you with great gladness. My thoughts of you cannot be counted, they outnumber the grains of sand! Nothing can ever separate you from my love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. Your fears for today, your worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep my love away. You sometimes say, "The Lord has deserted us, the Lord has forgotten us." But can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for a child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! I paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ, my sinless, spotless Lamb. No one will snatch you away from me. See, I have written your name on my hand. I call you my friend. Why, the very hairs on your head are numbered. So, don't be afraid, you are valuable to me. Give me your burdens, I will take care of you. I know how weak you are, that you are made of dust. Give all your worries and cares to me, for I care about what happens to you. Remember, I am at hand. come to me when you are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. I delight in you, and can be trusted to keep my promise. Come and drink the water of life.

Your Maker, Your Father,
God

Check it Out

Today I decided I would update my playlist and I did!! I'm happy to say I picked all the music! I hope you all enjoy!

Another dreary day outside, the weather has just been so weird as of late. Maybe it's telling us something big is coming.

I've also been thinking about the Christmas story.

Mary was such an amazing young woman. She faithfully turned herself over to God without hesitation, she road for miles and miles atop a donkey 9 months pregnant, and she gave birth in the middle of the night in a stable.

She was accompanied by a man who put his trust in God and followed what God told him. Joseph protected Mary and gave her all he had.

They had the most special delivery of a baby I have no doubt. Angels singing from the Heavens and a star shining so brightly announcing the birth of Jesus. We can't top that announcement no matter how hard we try.

They had shepherds come by night and wise men who followed the star. These men were complete strangers but they new that this baby was special!

There are so many things in this story we take for granted. We have hospitals and doctors for our delivery. We have cars to drive us to and fro. We have family that surrounds us on one of the most amazing days of our lives.

Just some random thoughts about the Christmas story. Enjoy the new playlist!!

Completely Random

The other day something came to me and I posted it on myspace and decided I should post it here. I'm not really sure why, but I guess it doesn't matter.

It's a Dreary Day

It's such a dreary day, will it always be this way?
Is there enjoyment in my pain, in the tears that fall like rain?
I haven't the time to think, why didn't you even blink?
Human you are without a care, who will I turn to for my burdens to bare?
You let me down with your imperfect love, what is that voice I hear from above?
I know that voice that feeling inside, is it the God who stands by my side?
His arms wrap around me and hold me tight, what would I do without His might?
His love is perfect and without end, do you think on you I only depend?
I forgive you for that's what God has done, will you turn to the true One?
His love holds no records of wrongs, can my love stand up to that and stay strong?

Home Sick and Sick

So yesterday home sickness set in. I struggle with this statement, I have a home here in West Virginia with my wonderful husband and my "Naomi", but the homesickness I have is for Oklahoma and all my family there. It's always there but especially strong this time of year. I feel guilty tho as that isn't really my home anymore is it? I don't know struggling thought.

Anyway my boss let me come home early yesterday as he had taken the day off and it was actually a blessing in disguise. I caught the lovely stomach bug that the kids and parents have been sharing with each other for the past couple of weeks it seems. I had to cancel plans with a friend and took a hot bath and just really slept good!! I'm feeling much better today and am thankful it seems to have passed right through me. In the midst of feeling poopy, as my friend Tina would say, a package came from my Grandma Baker!! We receive this package every year full of deer balls *chocolate covered peanut butter balls that are just delicious*, chocolate and yogurt covered pretzels and popcorn balls along with a Christmas card!! I phoned to thank my Grandma who wasn't home just yet. I talked with my mom who is staying with her for a little while and told her I was a bit saddened tho when the package came as it was addressed to Dwayne and not me. I'm such a kid! My Grandma arrived shortly after and it was so good to talk to her!! I'm terrible about making phone calls home as I have an aversion to phones. I can talk a mile a minute with someone in person, via email or texting but on the phone I have a brain fart!!

Anyhow, the package came at the most wonderful time as I was missing home and Grandma brought some of home to me. It still doesn't replace being there and getting the most precious gift ever from each of them and that's a hug! Oh, how I dream of those hugs!!

Let It Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

I left my house this morning at 5:55a.m. and arrived at work at 6:30a.m. and well the snow started falling shortly after that and has yet to stop.

I'm calm but am not anticipating the drive home at all. I love to watch snow fall while curled up in a blanket!!! However, I don't enjoy driving with the other yahoo's who really have no business driving in good weather let alone in rain or snow!!

Alas let's focus on the positive here. IT'S SNOWING, BEAUTIFUL UNIQUE, WHITE SNOWFLAKES!! THEY CREATE A BLANKET OF WHITE ACROSS THE GROUND AND BALANCED OH SO NEATLY ON THE BRANCHES OF THE TREES!!!

Have I mentioned that I love snow!!!

Be safe out there!!!

Christmas Symbols

Thank you for your comments ladies! Joann's comment got me thinking about Christmas symbols. She mentioned that the colors were reminiscent of fall and I do agree but at the same time what were the colors that Jesus would have seen around him at birth. Well ok, what colors would Mary and Joseph see around them. Hay-which is golden, brown from the stable and animals, white from the sheep and stars (stars sure don't look yellow to me when I look up at night), probably some green and whatever color Mary and Joseph were wearing at the time.

Anyhow I dug around on the computer a bit to find the meaning of the different Christmas symbols and thought I'd share them with you all.

Wreaths
circular - everlasting life, circle of family, God's unending love
on the door - Welcome
evergreen - Eternal life in Christ

Christmas Tree
evergreen: symbol of eternal life
tree: biblical reference to cross

Ornaments
Ornaments in general remind us of all of the beautiful things Jesus did

Star or Angel on top of tree
Star of Bethlehem (the one the wise men followed) and Angels who announced Christ's birth

Lights
Jesus is light of the world

Ball Ornaments
our world was created by God; the different colors remind us that the Gospel is for all different nations and peoples on the earth

Tinsel
Generosity and kindness to the poor

Candy Cane
Jesus Hard candy: because Jesus is our rock White: purity Red stripes: Christ's blood Green Stripes: everlasting life in Him Thick stripe: His sacrifice, His death 3 thin stripes: trinity, our own sacrifices (giving), the lashes Jesus took for our sins Peppermint: remind us of the spices offered to the Christ child, part of hyssop family (referred to in OT as used for cleansing) Shape: shepherd's staff, "J" for Jesus

Christmas Carols
Legend has it that the angels sang the first Christmas Carols the night Jesus was born. In Christmas carols, even those who are not christians lift the Lord's name and sing of his wonderful birth.

Candles
Jesus is the Light of the world; also used to 'light the way' for the Christ Child

Stars
The star stands for the Star of Bethlehem which led the wise men to the Christ Child.

Presents
The giving of gifts as Christmas is an old tradition. The first Christmas gifts were given by the wise men to Jesus.

The gifts: gold, frankincense, myrrh
gold: for a king
frankincense: for a god - used in worship
myrrh: for a man - used in preparing a body for burial

Mistletoe
peace; (Luke 2:14) "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Holly
Because the holly leaf has sharp, pointy edges, the holly plant is used to remind us of the crown of thorns Jesus wore on his head. The red berries remind us of the blood he shed on the cross.

Poinsettias
Remind us that Jesus will meet all our needs.

Bells
Bells remind us that Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, and the ringing of the bells at midnight reminds us of the reason he came.

Nutcrackers
A German proverb says "God gives us the nuts but we have to break them ourselves". Nutcrackers remind us that nothing in life should come without hard work.


12 Days of Christmas
One legend has it that during the middle ages, from the mid-1500's to the early 1800's Christmas was extended from a one day celebration, to a 12 day celebration, beginning with Christmas and ending with the Epiphany. Often the wealthy would continue to give gifts after Christmas, on each day until the epiphany. During this time, Catholics were being persecuted, indeed, it was a crime punishable by a horrible death to even be a Catholic. They came up with a song that was a catechism for children to learn the Catholic faith, and each of the gifts were a clue to this. In the song, the true love refers to God, me refers to the baptized, and the partridge in the pear tree is Jesus. Here are what the other symbols mean:
2 Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments
3 French Hens = Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues
4 Calling Birds = the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists
5 Golden Rings = The first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace.
6 Geese A-laying = the six days of creation
7 Swans A-swimming = the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments 8 Maids A-milking = the eight beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing = the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords A-leaping = the ten commandments
11 Pipers Piping = the eleven faithful apostles
12 Drummers Drumming = the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed

The Nativity is also a Christmas symbol. I see these in peoples yards or on their mantels throughout the season. I told Dwayne the other day that if I were to do a Nativity scene I would place an empty manger in the front yard. In the backyard you would see Joseph leading a donkey with Mary atop it, the shepherds and their sheep in another part and the wisemen in yet another part of the yard. Each day I would move them a bit closer to the stable on Christmas Eve Mary and Joseph and all would be in the stable with a bright star shining over them. I know that the wisemen came later and maybe I would leave them just at a distance within sight of the manger.

Cheesy yes but I think it would be neat especially if you were going through a study with your kids and teaching them of the journey that Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and the wisemen took.

Remember why we celebrate Christmas and what the things of Christmas symbolize. May the decorations be more than just decorations.

Messing Around

Ok, so I've been looking for a Christmas type background for my blog as well the other was getting a bit tiring. Let me know what you think. I think it's simple but with a wonderful point!