Posted in God thoughts on Dec 29th, 2008
The angels announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, who came that very night and saw the Baby in a stable. The wise men showed up later; when they arrived, they saw the Child in a house. This led to the European custom of going to church on December 25, and exchanging gifts on […]
Posted in God thoughts on Dec 24th, 2008
I’ve been sitting on the sofa, listening to carols, reading Christmas stories, and watching cars pass on the street. It’s a lovely end to the day.
Vicki and I exchanged gifts this afternoon, then went to Jo and Paul’s for a buffet supper. I’ll be back there in the morning for Christmas; Vicki’s going to friends […]
Posted in God thoughts on Dec 21st, 2008
This morning was the first official day of winter, the last Sunday of Advent, the Sunday before Christmas. Mark Scott, preaching at my church, spoke on this one line from the chorus of “Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful” (which I learned as “Adeste, Fideles!” in high school choir).
Oh—a word designed to get your attention. Does […]
Posted in youth group, God thoughts on Dec 19th, 2008
This evening the youth group celebrated three birthdays. Alex turned 15 a couple of days ago. Today Chris turned 18 (now he’s an adult!). And Jesus’ birthday is remembered next Thursday.
Vicki baked a cake, and I brought soft drinks and chips. I also brought several games and activities, none of which we needed.
The kids had […]
Posted in from the furry side on Dec 16th, 2008
Your suggestion—that Mama write up my exploits—was offered in a light-hearted manner, I’m sure. I can’t imagine you expected the silly woman to take action on it.
But that is precisely what she’s doing. She now follows Dolphin and me around, carrying a pad of paper, asking silly questions such as, “How do you decide what […]
Posted in God thoughts on Dec 13th, 2008
A friend is having serious health problems, and she has a family who needs her. Another has lost his job, with children who depend on him. Another is grieving the poor choices of a son. Does God know? Does He care? Why does He allow this, then?
We had a wonderful service at Little Church in […]
Posted in from the furry side on Dec 12th, 2008
Sallie writes: I realize that humans are a lower form of life, and that we canines are on this earth to care for them. And I am perfectly happy to do just that—take care of my Elsi (and even her silly cat).
But she seems to have no grasp of how hard I’m working to protect […]
Posted in from the furry side on Dec 9th, 2008
Walking carefully
On this snowy day,
O’er the drifts I go,
Praying all the way!
Bells on beagle ring …
Christmas on my mind …
But we aren’t walking in this snow:
I’d fall on my behind!
Oh! Beagle bells, beagle bells,
Bounding through the drifts!
Sallie tosses snow around
And makes my spirits lift!
Beagle bells, beagle bells,
Energy galore!
I am hoping for dry roads;
She wants more […]
Posted in God thoughts on Dec 7th, 2008
This morning was the choir Christmas program. Oh, we sang our hearts out, praising our Lord! What fun … what a privilege to be able to sing and participate in worship for Him!
Before Communion, Pastor Cathy Howe spoke about growing up on a farm in Illinois, using a rotary-crank, party-line phone, and watching a TV […]
Posted in from the furry side on Dec 5th, 2008
Ah, there’s something about the sight of a beagle in a graduation cap …
Yes, that actually happened last night, when Sallie graduated from the Beginner Education class at PetsMart!
She did sit and down on command. She showed she could wait and stay (in fact, she stayed almost three minutes before she decided I’d forgotten about […]