So long 2008

Happy new year's everyone. It has been an interesting year. A lot of happy and sad times to reflect on.
I miss my Dad.
All in all , it's been a great year. Sort of a difficult one, but difficult isn't always bad,is it? I think I have grown up a bit, and my relationship with the Lord has strengthened. That's a very good thing.(to quote Martha Stewart)
I will remember this as the year my son grew a mustache, my daughter learned to ride a horse, my younger son decided to never be naked(inside joke), and my husband and I started taking walks on the beach, together, every night .(well, almost every night).
I will also remember it as the year my Dad passed away but also as the year I reconnected with many members of my family, because of his passing.
I have had a lot of things to be thankful for this year , thank you , Lord.
He's the one who has blessed me.
Well, we had a nice day. The boys went to a sleep over, Sarah went to Horse camp, and we all went to the beach this afternoon. It's nice to live in Florida.
Tonight, our neighbors have a fire in their chiminea and the neighborhood folks come over for New Year. We all bang pots and pans and wake the Party Pooper neighbors up.
It's pretty sweet.
Oh I started a facebook page for the heck of it. let me know if you have one.
Have a fun New Years celebration.
Love ya,
Joann

Rick took this great picture yesterday at the beach

Isn't it beautiful?

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
A Christian is not somebody who merely believes that Christ died for our sins. The devil believes that. A Christian is somebody who has repented of his sins and invited Christ into his heart to be his Savior and Lord. You can intellectually believe that an airplane can fly, but in order to fly you must try out its wings. In the same way, when you give your heart to Jesus Christ, He takes control of your life and begins to make you into the person He wants you to be. Your life doesn’t have to be absolutely perfect for you to go to heaven. At the moment you trust Christ as your personal Savior, you are eternally saved, eternally secure, and God begins to work on you.

Hope you all had a great Christmas

Only 2 more shopping days

Two more days to go til Christmas.
Are you guys ready?
I am most definately not.
Still got a lot of cooking and baking to do.
I broke with tradition this year and actually wrapped presents before Christmas Eve. I usually can't get that done unil the very last moment because I like to be able to see everything to make sure I haven't forgotten anything, but I did it this year and it's quite nice to have that all taken care of.
I had a very nice Birthday yesterday. It was pretty quiet and relaxing.
41 is not so bad.

Well, not much is coming to mind to write about. Umm, oh I met Congressman Weldon at church yesterday. Seems like a nice fella. He's leaving office in Jan.
Anyhoo--
Here a little scripture that came my way today.


December 22
BIBLE MEDITATION: “But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” Philippians 2:7
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Jesus came in a manger for you and for me. He willingly left the glories and riches of heaven to be born in a stable. Jesus became poor, so that we might become rich. He lived a life of such abject poverty that when He had to pay taxes, He had to look for a coin in a fish’s mouth. When He sent out His disciples, He told them to take nothing, but a staff and the power of the Holy Spirit (Mark 6:7-9). He was put to death like a common criminal so that we could wear a royal robe! Child of God, you are rich! I am rich! Praise God!
ACTION POINT: Read Philippians 2:6-11 with your family or friends today as a Christmas devotional. Spend time praising God for His Son, Jesus.

Send a card to Hannah

From Hannah’s local newspaper:

Lights flashing, they drove north through the darkness Thursday, a caravan of about 70 fire trucks, ambulances and police cars headed toward a small, red-headed girl in a party dress.

Hannah Garman, 4, quietly watched them pulling into a parking lot. She was lying on a litter just outside an ambulance, her pink shoes poking out of a white sheet. Hannah, who lives in Lititz with her dad, brother and sister, recently was diagnosed with a fatal form of brain cancer. Her mom, Christine, died from cancer two years ago.

Hannah’s wish for Christmas this year was to get lots of cards. That wish went out in an e-mail late last week. Her family believes it was sent by someone who knows them but they are not sure.

It would be an understatement to say that Hannah’s wish has been granted.

Within days, cards began trickling into the Lititz home of her grandparents, who are helping to care for her. The trickle became a stream, then a torrent, then a flood of hundreds of cards from all over the world, as the e-mail spread over the Internet.

School children made cards. Churches sent them. Families and kids and everybody and his brother, from Canada to Mexico to Singapore, has gotten in on the action.
Related Topics

When county firefighters heard about Hannah, they thought it would be nice if they could send her some cheer, too.
Merry Christmas, Hannah. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

You can send yours to:
Hannah Garman
259 North Reading Rd.
Ephrata, Pa. 17522

Posted in: Worthy CausesSend to a Friend

Had to add this. Too weird not to.

Weekend's Over

Where did this weekend go? I must have been comatose or something. It went fast. Christmas parties and all that this week. Whoops, I forgot I'm supposed to make a breakfast casserole for Mom In Touch tomorrow. Looks like I'll be up late tonight.

Our little town has a great Christmas Light Parade. It was on Saturday night. Our Church had a float and it was wonderful. One of the bands played and the folks from the puppet ministry worked the rest of the float. It was great. Sarah and I along with a bunch of other folks, walked along side giving out candy. it was pretty fun. Sarah did a great job and Heely'd the whole way. Here's a couple of pictures

I would love it if I got some more comments on this blog. Once in a while it feels a bit fruitless. Drop me a note just to say hi.
I just got back from Jimmy's school.I made some Butter Schnitzel for his German class and had to drop it off. It looked a bit weird.

Does anyone else listen to XM station 44 (First Wave)? They can be a bit crude sometimes but I just tune that out and enjoy the music. Brings back memories, right Keith , Dianne and Kathy? Sometimes there's nothing better than a little Safety Dance and Mandinka to get your morning going.
Got my house tidied and laundry done. Yipee!

Today is Fri and that means FOC friday to those of you in the know. Betty and I started our own club called Fridays Off Club. Soo, after school the girls (Betty and I) will play maybe a bit of XBox live or something, maybe a little Wii and prob-lee a Starbucks? Sounds good.

Christmas is coming fast, isn't it? Are you guys ready? I think I am almost there.
My last post I put a link to CuteOverload for the Corgi post, but Betty told me about the Kitty post. Funny huh?
Well, I'm babbling. Got to go.
Have a great day. Love Joann

Cute Overload! :)

Cute Overload! :)

Making Christmas cookies

A Good Message

Lauren , Sarah's best bud










Sarah Jane














Charlie putting up lights









Sarah and Lauren








Little Poot



















Here's a little note I got this morning. I have been thnking about the way I approach God and sometimes it may be too casually. I have to admit that it did not seem like a big deal to me to say "Oh my God" or other things. Now I realize that when I call His name, He is present with me, and I need to remember that He is holy and almighty and to not do it frivolously . Does that make sense? Maybe not right now, but think about it, even in my prayer time or discussions with others, do I refer to Him with the respect He deserves? I have been thinking a lot about this.
I want to always remember that He is who he says He is and what He has done for me. His name is Jesus . He is always faithful, even though we might not realize it at the time. Do we always give our kids what they want immediatly, when we know sometimes it would be best for them if they waited or maybe not give them that thing at all, because we know better or can see a larger picture?
I guess I am just thinking and babbling, but maybe consider who He is before you say His name. Here's the devotioanl from Love Worth Finding click here to dig deeper into the study.
December 9
BIBLE MEDITATION:
“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy.” Isaiah 57:15
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
“Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain” (Exodus 20:7). We all know that profanity is one way that you can take God’s name in vain, but I’ll tell you another way, and that’s in frivolous talk. That is, just taking the name of God carelessly or lightly. Ephesians 5:4 mentions “foolish jesting.” What does that mean? God’s name is holy. We are never ever to use His name unless we are serious. Now if you use humor to illustrate something, that’s fine, but it’s repugnant to use the Holy name of God frivolously.

Fred Claus

OK, why does everyone dislike "Fred Claus"? I'm not ashamed to admit it... I thought it was funny.
So...
maybe it was the two glasses of Gewurztraminer(white wine) but ,
it was entertaining.
Ahh, the beginning of a new school week. No sweat, no panic. Only 9 more days til school gets out(14 days til my birthday, if you are wondering ;> the big 4-1!)Yikes!
Kristi, I guess our birthdays are close. I knew I liked you for a good reason :)
You hang in there, sister. You are so loved and cradled. God's got ya!

Charlie had a band recital last week. He did great. He plays the clarinet but really likes the saxophone.
Jimmy is becoming quite talented at drawing Anime characters of his own design.
Sarah and I just made some Christmas cookies for the teachers at school for Moms In Touch and made a video that I am working on to put on YouTube. Hopefully by tomorrow night I will have it done, but I will post it here.
Rick has been very busy with his company as usual. He owns an engineering firm in town. A bit stressful to say the least, given the current economy, but God is faithful, as always and provides for us and his employees.
Umm, oh, my Mother made us a wonderful dinner this weekend. It was nice to be with her. She is doing very well, although I am sure it will be difficult for her, as it will be the first Christmas without my Dad. I miss him very much. It was strange to not have him at Jimmy's birthday , Thanksgiving and Charlie's recital.
She had her house all decorated though. She is a super tough gal, my Mom

I am truly excited about Christmas approaching. It's going to be interesting to reflect on my trip to Israel. What a gift Rick and I have received to be able to go somewhere that seemed like a far away, ancient place.
It is real. The places that Christ walked, are real. He was there, as a baby and a man. There is proof.
What a gift and a blessing. It will be a very special Christmas.
Not much else to say tonight. My kitchen is a mess from the cookie making, but I love it.
Got to clean up.
Let me know what your plans are for Christmas.
I am asking Santa for a puppy named Macaroni.
I am not sure if anyone clicks on the link to Calvary Chapel up in the right hand corner of this page, but Pastor Mark had a wonderful teaching this morning. It might be worth your while to check it out.
Love ya
PSS Don't forget that today is and was Pearl Harbor day. Say a prayer for the survivors and the families of those that lost their loved ones.

The Shack?

Hey, I have a question.
I just recieved a copy of a book called "The Shack" by William Young. i have not heard anything about it, except in passing. I am starved for a good book, and I read about half of it today, then had to put it down. Yikes!
It's a story about a man whose daughter was abducted and how he has questioned his relationship with God. He has this encounter with the Trinity and it's a bit freaky, to say the least. I've put it down. I don't think I'll read any more of it. It kind of goes against a lot of theology. I'm not trying to be close minded, but it's a bit weird. If you have heard of this book , let me know what you think. I don't recommend reading it, but I wouldn't mind discussing. Apparently it is the "it" book.
Hmmm... I don't like it. I don't want to be a spoiler but
*SPOILER ALERT*
God is a depicted as a woman.
Ummm, anyway.No thanks.
Just checking in.
Like I say, please let me know what you know or have heard about this book.
Joann
PS Don't forget to check the bottom of this page and check out the Shiba Inu Live Web Cam. Those little pups are so cute.

Why does this make me giggle so hard. Is there something wrong with me?

Here is my devotional for today from the church I go to

I thought this was a good one for today. I am sitting here doing my devotional but am thinking about what i need to go buy at the store fr Christmas. I have such a difficult time concentrating when I am studying, I need to focus and not let the other "business" stuff in. I bet you guys are just like me. Well, I am certainly going to make an effort to give God my undivided attention when doing my Bible study. He deserves that and so much more. Let me know what you o to focus on your time with Him. If you read my blog, I love to get a little feed back. it's easy , just click on comments and you can leave me a note. you can do it anonymously. I love a little message every now and then. If you have a prayer request let me know. Have a great day. i am going to study now.
Please read this.... if you are not too busy.
Too Busy
Based on “People Have Problems – God Has Answers, Part 1” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 11/29-30/08, Message #2467; Daily Devotional #1 - “Too Busy”

Preparing the Soil (Introduction): “Beware the barrenness of a busy life.” Socrates

“A man can’t be always defending the truth; there must be a time for him to feed on it.” C. S. Lewis

BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather. But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night. Psalm 1:1-2 (AMP)

Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Busy. Busy. Busy. That seems to be our standard reply to the question, “How are you?” What are we so busy doing? In our eyes, probably all good things. In addition to maintaining our home life and relationships, there’s work, school, car pool, not to mention the many ways we serve in ministry at church. We are so busy “doing” that too often we don’t stop to find out what priorities God has for us. Even our devotional time with the Lord is hurried to the point that it is just another item to be checked off our “to do list.” Read the Bible—check. Pray—check. Write in our journal—check. God wants to be in a relationship with us, not an add-in to our schedule. Our relationship with the Lord should be a desire, not a chore.

Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Recently I wrote down everything I was doing as well as the different roles I currently have: Christ-follower, wife, teacher, devotion writer—the list grew pretty lengthy. I realized by seeing it all in print that my activities had thrown my life way out of balance. As I looked at the list, I asked God in my quiet time to show me why I was doing these things. Had He called me to them? Yes, to some, but I must admit I was doing some things because I was too prideful to acknowledge I couldn’t do it all, or too concerned about what others would think of me if I said “no.” I had lost my focus. I want to be more concerned about what God thinks and doing what He has set before me. My activities were keeping me from lingering in the presence of God. That’s exactly where we all need to be in order for our lives and ministry to be an outflow of His power. Consequently, several things needed to go. I’ve had to disappoint some folks by not meeting their expectations. But in the end, I must answer to God for what I am allowing Him to do through me. We all need to be challenged and, from time to time, take a look at our priorities. Are we so busy that our relationship with God suffers, as well as our relationships with others? Sit before the Lord; maybe even write out everything you are doing. Ask Him to reveal His priorities. He will always show us the way.

Cultivating (Additional Reading): Psalm 119
NLG