Friday, December 12, 2014

"It's A Wonderful Life"



Every Christmas, I watch "It's A Wonderful Life." To some people it's a depressing black and white movie.
To me it's a movie that shows hope. I have a tendency to see things differently than most people. But to me, it shows that no matter how desperate things may seem sometimes, THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE!
It also shows me that the most treasured things in this world aren't material, but family and friends.
 
I probably have almost every line in the movie memorized. Some of my favorite lines are from Clarence Odbody, the angel trying to earn his wings.
 
 
 
He gave George Baily a chance to see what life would have been like if George had never been born.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Some of Clarence's quotes:
 
Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?
 
[In book inscription he left for George Baily] Remember, George: no man is a failure who has friends.
 
You see, George, you've really had a wonderful life.
 
I think of all the friends I have made in my life. In the ministry we moved around several times. The hardest part was leaving family and friends. But then we would make new friends (long life friends) that I'm thankful everyday that our paths have crossed. Friends and family who are always there with encouragement and love when you need it the most.

You see, I really have had a Wonderful Life!!!

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

A Need To Shake Up My Life

This morning I realized I am becoming a creature of habit. I think that's a sign that I'm getting older. I remember my husband's mom. She was in her 80's and she had to do everything the same way.
She counted out how much fruit we gave her. She had to have 4 grapes and 3 strawberries. She ate 1/2 of a sandwich. Her proportions on her plate had to be just the right amount. You didn't dare buy her a different brand than she used. Her things had to be turned the exact way she wanted them. If you dusted for her, you had to put everything exactly in the place that it was. And every morning she watched The Price Is Right. When it was on, you did not call or bother her. Any change just really threw her off.
 
I realized that every morning I wake up, drink 3 cups of Folger's 100% Columbian coffee - black with a little half & half (NO LOW FAT). I watch Good Morning America. When I'm finished drinking my 3 cups of coffee, I eat one piece of toast with butter and Simply Fruit seedless blackberry jelly.
Now that's a creature of habit. I need to shake things up. How do I do that?
 
I know - instead of blackberry jelly, I'll try some red raspberry. At least until the jar runs out and then I'll go back to my good old blackberry.
 
We can't help it. I think we all are creatures of habit in one way or another. We have to have certain things certain ways and if they are not the way we are use to, it bothers us.
 
One thing we can depend upon never to change or cause us a shake up in life and that is Jesus.
 
 
Hebrews 13:8Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever
 

Saturday, December 6, 2014

December Memories

Here it is. The last month of 2014.
To me, December is always the month of memories. Past memories, present memories, and future memories.
 
Our hearts in December always reminisce about the past. Our minds wander back to when we were young and innocent of heart. So excited thinking of Santa Claus' visit with his pack full of presents. We remember presents we have received, traditions we shared with family, and the wonderful celebrations of Christmas pasts.
 
And now in this present December we are making new memories, sometimes with new friends and new family members. Sometimes we are sad thinking of friends and family that are no longer here to celebrate Christmas with us. We all pray that it will be a good Christmas full of blessings, peace, and hope.
 
And we can't help but think of future Decembers. What God will bring into our lives in Christmases to come. I know next Christmas I'll have a  new grandson who will celebrate his first Christmas.
 
We don't know what God has planned for our lives, but I know He is in control.
 
The best memory we share is the celebration of the birth of Jesus.
 
Luke 2:8-14
 
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
 
 


 

Monday, December 1, 2014

Jesus Loves the Little Children

 
Sunday night at church was a very special night. My son, Neal, baptized his little girl, Hayden.
 
 
 
So thankful, Hayden accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized.
 
R.A. Torrey said, "It is almost the easiest thing in the world to lead a child from 5 to 10 years of age to a definite acceptance of Christ."
 
I think a child has such an innocent and pure heart, it is easy for them to accept and believe in Jesus as their Savior.
 
Every day my husband and I prayed four things, that are children and grand children would be saved at an early age, they would graduate right, marry right, and love their God all the days of their lives.
I still pray that every day. I always think - "What if I'm the only person praying for my family today."
Life is not always easy and you don't know what the day is going to bring. Praying for your family is the most important thing you can do.