Johann Sebastian Bach

I was reading an article about Johann Sebastian Bach, a German composer and musician. In the 17th and 18th century he wrote several 100 pieces, many of which were used to glorify God.

At the beginning of his manuscripts were the letters "JJ" and at the end of his manuscripts were the letters "SDG."

The letters that Bach wrote at the beginning and end of his music are prayers in Latin. JJ is an abbreviation for “Jesu Juva,” which translated into English means, “Jesus, help me.” At the beginning of every work, Bach beseeches the Lord to guide him. The SDG at the end of his music stands for “Soli Deo Gloria.” Here Bach prays that each piece of music will humbly proclaim “To God Alone the Glory.”

 

I was thinking that would be a good way to start each day with a prayer to Jesus asking for His help and guidance throughout the day and in everything that we do.

And when our day has ended, to give our God the glory  and thank Him for His greatness and the salvation that He has given us.

A New Year!

What kind of surprises are in store for this brand new year of 2015. I think I'm glad that we can't see the future.  If we could we might pull the covers over our heads and not get out of bed the whole year. Or we could be full of excitement for a brand new adventure of what God has in store for us this year.

One thing for sure GOD IS IN CONTROL.

 

I love the words to the song, "I Don't Know About Tomorrow"

 

I don't know about tomorrow
I just live from day to day
And I don't borrow from its sunshine
For its skies may turn to gray

And I don't worry about my future
For I know what Jesus said
And today He walks beside me
For He knows what lies ahead

Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand.

 

I pray that in 2015 I'll keep trusting my God to walk beside me and lead me. He's the One that holds my tomorrow.

Falling Behind Already!

2015 has started and I think I'm still in 2014.

My Christmas tree still stands by the fireplace with all of its ornaments. I could pretend that I'm German. They don't take their trees down until January 6. Problem is it's January 8.  Also, I'm still unpacking from my trip.

I don't think I'm ready for 2015. There are still things in 2014 that I wanted to accomplish. I guess I'll just have to move them to 2015.

2014 was a great year full of wonderful blessings shared with family and friends. And the holidays were the greatest. I was able to see all of my family and spend time with my sons and their families and with my Dad.

I'm excited about 2015. I'm going to be a grandmother again. I can't wait to hold that new little grandson.

Please pray for Neal and Amy. Amy has had a rough time with this pregnancy.

My 2014 Christmas Album:

Brylee, Hayden, and Kyla

Decorating Christmas Cookies

Steve, Olivia, Jennifer (Jerry's sister), and Aleise

Gavin, Mark, Alexis, Maria, and Me

Alexis, Mark, Maria, and Gavin

Mark and Scott

Me with My Dad and Scott and Lisa

Janine, Norman, and Jennifer (Jerry's brother and sisters)

Janine, Julie, Norman, Steve, Me, and Jennifer

Lisa, Scott, Jackie, and Aaron at Skyline Chili celebrating Evan's Birthday

Ethan, Aaron, Evan, Emma, Jackie, and Elena

My Grandson, Greg

Scott and Greg

"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!!!

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

 

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.

 

 

 

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.