Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Sharing a mother's heart....

I have recently pulled out a big plastic bin from the garage... notes and journals and books of prayers from her heart, and the answers as they came... all through her 87 years. I have treasured her life in my heart, always... but the words I have been reading... are a measuring stick of who she was, day by day and year after year.

She was married to my dad, who was a minister, for 65 years, and their love story is still my shining example. So many of these words I have been reading, I know by heart... as I knew her. The words are hers, but the life she lived is what makes them so real... She was saved in a revival in Norway, as a young woman in nurses training. This was not the kind of revival that is scheduled in a church for 3 or 4 days, this was a revival that spread like wildfire across Norway. My mother was one of thousands who were saved during those months. I'm going to break up the story of their life into a few chapters in the months ahead, and post it... it's a book worth reading!


But for today...
just looking at these notes and reflecting on her "verse for the New Year"... selected one year at a time, and the faith she lived... it's prompting me to move into this new year, 2010... with renewed hope and faith, based on the promises of the same God who supplied her needs, for 87 years. I'm so thankful that He's my God too...

Monday, December 28, 2009

My first new year 'miracle'....

This may not appear to be a 'miracle' to you... but for me... I think it is the first time I've ever seen my husband in all of these years with a WHISK in his hand!

He is making tomato soup!

He even looks a little bit pleased with himself, doesn't he??

He is smart, sharp, funny, helpful and so many wonderful things... but a 'handy man in the kitchen'... no!... So for today, I'm thinking this is a good start to the new year!!

Sunday, December 27, 2009

A brand New Year....

A brand new year is about to start

the choices I make will reflect my heart...


cars hurry by on busy streets

filled with people we may never meet...

running their errands, filling their days

rushing around in a thousand ways...


I wonder if they know who gave them this day

if so, will they choose what they do and say...


it's easy to get caught in the crazy pace

help me to be wise as I run this race....


I want to be what you want me to be

I need more of you....and much less of me...


As this new year begins, I bow my heart

and ask once again for your help as I start...


... I posted this a few months ago, but is still fits what I feel today as this New Year begins, so I've altered a few words ... here it is again, along with my prayer for the year ahead ... more listening... obedience... wisdom... obedience... faithfulness... growth... obedience... discipline... obedience... as the journey continues... 2010.... a brand New Year! A year still FILLED with God's promises for each one of us!

Friday, December 25, 2009

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Some of our very favorite gifts this Christmas, and every day!

Merry Christmas to each of you, and may the JOY of JESUS fill your hearts and homes in 2010...







Saturday, December 19, 2009

Christmas memories...mom and dad...2009


I'm re-posting some old Christmas favorites... 

My dad was the minister, but my mom was the twinkle in his eye!
Together, they lived out their lives with their motto...'each for the other, and both for God'...

This little poem was written by my mother during one of their dinners for ministers and their wives, which they gave every Christmas. They went around their circle of friends one year, and each had to write a quick poem within 3 minutes. This was her poem.

We were 3 kids growing up in a home that honored the Lord in everything my parents did. During these Christmas dinners, my sister and I 'served' the food. It was from my mother that we learned how beautiful a dinner party could be. She had all of the little extra touches that make things so special. The food was always DEE-LICIOUS! But the presentation was every bit as special. Her very best dishes, glassware and silver from her family in Norway were all polished and shined. (usually by us! ... when she served her platter of meat and roasted potatoes, there was always a big round platter full of fresh steamed and flavored vegetables, piled by color around a huge head of cauliflower in the middle. It was drizzled with sauteed cracker crumbs in butter over the top. The colors are still stuck in my mind...

Each guest had a Christmas china mug filled with either hot cider or steaming hot V-8 mixed with pineapple juice. The appetizers always included rolled up crustless bread slices filled with pimento cheese and stuck with a toothpick, then broiled quickly. There were also soft steamed prunes filled with cream cheese and a pecan on top.

And her pies...and cakes...and cookies... well, you get the idea!

The guests each received a beautifully wrapped small gift before the evening ended. Usually it was a cup and saucer from 'Flintridge China', where my Aunt Ada worked for many years, and boxed candy for the men. The fellowship of those ministers and their wives has left me with a deep and wonderful memory. They included some of the great 'saints' of the day, many of whom are now in heaven... names and faces I will never forget!

My dad wrote this tract many years ago, one Christmas... I can't think of a better note to end this lengthy blog on... and to wish every one of you a wonderful Christmas. Each of you are such a blessing to me, and I will look forward to getting to know you better in 2010...










Monday, December 14, 2009

Christmas in Norway... and in Texas...

My mother was born in Tromso, Norway, so my Norwegian heritage has always been a BIG part of our Christmas celebration...

She told us stories about Christmas in Norway as we grew up, and it came alive in our home every December. We grew up in California, so the long winter months of snow she described, sounded like a dream...now I live in Texas, and it still does...but I re-tell her stories to our 6 grandkids...

We have Christmas Eve in our home, and the 'kids table' is Norwegian. The colors and traditions of Norway are so vivid and bright, and we all love them.

I set the table today so I could take a few pictures to include here... those trees in the middle were at Dollar General a few years ago, they remind me of Christmas in Norway!.. The music playing is also Norwegian, her name is Sissel...


Here are a few more pictures of the rest of our home, all ready for Christmas..














































Merry Christmas to all of you, from Texas, and Norway....

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Mary, "Blessed is she"...

"Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished." Luke 1:45


Blessed is the girl who trusts His words
without guile and without fear.
Embracing the impossible
saying, “Yes Lord, Your servant is here.”



Blessed is she, “highly favored”
overshadowed by God Most High,
Offering body, soul…reputation
that Emmanuel might come nigh.



Blessed is she when the nausea begins
when she watches her mother weep.
Blessed is she when her beloved betrothed
is stricken with heartbroken disbelief.



Blessed is she in the village
when the whispers and catcalls begin.
Blessed is she in her silence
enduring the semblance of sin.



Blessed is she in her singing
pouring forth praise, glorifying the Lord.
Blessed is she in her journey
writhing in pain on a dank stable floor.



Blessed is she in her grieving
spattered with blood, this time not her own,
At the death of the Only Begotten
when a sword pierces her own soul.



In Him she lives. In Him she moves. In Him she has her being.
And yet, He lived and moved inside her womb.
So God was born of woman; born to die that she might live,
Swaddled twice in heaven’s journey from the manger to the tomb.



All these things and more she treasured
pondering in her heart each day.
O for grace to trust like she did
following in His ways.




Written by Christina Zeeb, published :

Advent Devotional,

Salem Alliance Church, Dec. 2009

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Christmas... at church & at Chili's...

On Sunday night, some of our grandkids had their Christmas program at church. It was beautiful, the songs, the talking parts, all of it! Children and church Christmas music always make me smile!


Later, we all went to Chili's. I loved what Tommy, our son, did so naturally. When the waiter had taken our order, Tommy said, 'we're about to pray for our food, is there anything we can pray about for you, anything going on in your life right now, etc...'The waiter said, 'yes, I'm trying to get into the Navy'... so we blessed the food and included a prayer for this nice young guy.
For Tommy, this was a natural and easy way to share. He has one of those personal-ities that knows no strangers and makes people feel special!!
Not everyone would feel as easy and comfortable doing that (including me) ...BUT, everyone has their own ability, God given, to share a word of encouragement. Many times those very words lead into further conversation and an opportunity to share our faith in God.

The top 2 pictures include 2 of our grandkids, Cassidy & Avery. Bottom photo is Tommy and his wife Dedra.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Because of Jesus...

Light of the World, born that day
The love of the Father...provided the way...

Human baby, brand new and crying
Heaven and all mankind were sighing...

Star of Christmas aglow with light
Because Christ Jesus was born that night...

His birth, life and death, God's sovereign plan
Created from His love... to redeem man...

May we as His children, born again by HIS love
Be filled with HIS light, as our eyes look above...

Christmas... the reason that joy lives within
the babe in the manger...now reigns as our King!


Sonja (12-6-09)

Special Christmas joy to each of you!

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Joseph's perspective...

I've always been drawn to the lives of Joseph and Mary, 2 simple people, chosen by God for the most important birth in history. One word always shouts loudly to me about their lives...OBEDIENCE ...

Listen to this beautiful song that we have all heard, sung from Joseph's perspective. It really touches me.

Also, check the other links at THEN SINGS MY SOUL SATURDAYS. There is always a great selection of special music.



Thursday, December 3, 2009

A Christmas letter from Jesus...

I don't know who wrote this, but it is good food for thought...

Letter from Jesus about Christmas...


It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season.
How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town. Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.



If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up... It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5 Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one.

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine. Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember :

I LOVE YOU,

JESUS

Monday, November 30, 2009

Christmas memory...again....

I shared this memory of Christmas last year, but every year it comes to mind again. So as we get ready to turn the calendar to December, this seems like a good place to begin...

Years ago my mother went to visit a friend at Christmas. She was a widow and former minster's wife who grew up near us and our families were close. She now lived in a retirement condo. When my mother got there she rang the bell and greeted her with a hug and a big platter of homemade cookies...




Our friend had her dining room table set with her best Christmas china, silver, crystal and serving pieces... and beautiful Christmas decorations everywhere. Everything sparkled and the Christmas music was playing in the background.



My mother said, "Oh, I didn't know you were having a party. I'll just drop these cookies and run". Her friend quietly said..."Oh no, no one is coming, the family is all scattered and far away and it's just me now, but I always set the table for our family dinner like I did in the old days, it makes me feel like they are still all around me and I can remember how it was when they were all here...



My mom left with tears in her eyes that day....



A gentle reminder to me and to each of us that there are many lonely hearts out there who need to be remembered this Christmas. Lots of families are hurting this year, for many reasons. Emotions intensify during special holidays, and maybe most of all during Christmas.... it takes so little to reach out and give a smile or a word of encouragement, maybe some Christmas cookies, or sharing a favorite recipe.


There is always room in our lives to help someone when the need is genuine, and... as with all gifts from our hearts...



WE ARE THE ONES WHO ARE BLESSED!!








Friday, November 27, 2009

Come on Ring Those Bells...


When our 3 kids were growing up, all of us fell in love with EVIE, from Norway. We literally wore out her Christmas album... so today as we finish this beautiful Thanksgiving season and begin to look toward Christmas, my selections for Then Sings my Soul Saturday are the following songs by Evie.

I'm sure many of you will remember her... if you click on the links below, you will be singing along with her before you know it...

The first one is: Come On Ring Those Bells... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULHn978OJh4

Another favorite was this one, 1000 Candles.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6L8b7x8eFms

Click over and join Amy on http://signsmiraclesandwonders.blogspot.com/ for some more great Saturday singing!

Sunday, November 22, 2009

A few THANKSGIVING reminders....

HOPE....

GRACE.....

LOVE....

SALVATION...

STRENGTH FOR TODAY....

COURAGE FOR TOMORROW....

BLESSINGS.... 10,000 AND MORE...

My 'short list' this week of Thanksgiving..... and I wish each of you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Friday, November 20, 2009

It's Called CHRISTMAS...


I heard this song last week and it sure reflects what I'm feeling about the way that CHRISTMAS seems to be left out and HAPPY HOLIDAYS and SEASONS GREETINGS is okay!

It's a bouncy tune, but the message is clear, and I love their enthusiasm in shedding light on what probably bothers you as it does me.

CHRISTMAS... the very word brings me right back to the manger, and to ... the GIFT.

Thank God for CHRISTMAS, and enjoy this song as we join Then Sings my Soul Saturdays over at http://signsmiraclesandwonders.blogspot.com/. The links there provide some really special music on Saturdays. Have a great weekend!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

The Love of God... Thanksgiving to me...

My husband was reading in Romans 8 last night, and shared one of my favorite passages with me. As with all of God's word, the familiar old passages... become new... again.

From Romans 8...

..."what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God's chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture...
None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us." (The Message)


Of all that I am thankful for this year, through the ups and downs of life, and the blessings that abound, it is God's LOVE for me...

I can't think of THE LOVE OF GOD in song, without hearing in my head this song, sung by George Beverly Shea... Remember???

Take a minute to listen, and to thank God for HIS great love for you. It's because of HIS love, and HIS gift of life to me, that I have hope in my heart, and joy that this world does not offer. Words are not enough....



Monday, November 16, 2009

faith or fear?? ...


There are so many times when life 'comes at us', and the trusting heart I claim is mine, seems to falter in fear. And then, I am reminded, as I was this morning, of what God's word clearly says about fear...

"Don't panic. I'm with you.
There's no need to fear for I'm your God.
I'll give you strength. I'll help you.
I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you." (Is.41:10 The Message)

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." (Is.41:10 KJV)

and...

In reading "When Your Heart Cries Out to God" this morning, Harold Sala tells the story of Corrie Ten Boom during World War 2 when she was trying to smuggle a suitcase filled with Bibles across the border of what was then the USSR. ..."Her heart was filled with fear, and the very fact that she was afraid perplexed her. She reasoned, God has never failed me, so I must trust Him now... Quietly she prayed, 'God, I believe it is in Jeremiah that you said 'God watched over His Word'. Those Bibles are your Word. Now I claim that, Lord. Watch over your Word, my Bibles.' As she prayed, her fear disappeared. A customs agent approached her sternly, asking 'Is that your red suitcase?'... 'yes sir, a heavy one',Corrie replied... 'I am just through with my work. I will help you.'... And with that the man picked up her suitcase and carried it through customs and out to the car that was waiting for her." ......

I remember as a child coming home from school one day and Corrie Ten Boom was sitting in the den having coffee with my parents. It wasn't until years later when I read "The Hiding Place" and understood the kind of faith she had, that I really appreciated the Godly jewel who was in our home that day.

That is the kind of faith I want, the kind that really KNOWS that I KNOW that God IS FAITHFUL!... He says He is...ALWAYS! I'm convinced that in my own life, I often lack the full faith that wholeheartedly takes God at His Word. It's the faith that I desire, and it's the faith that God desires for me.

"Trust and Obey"... they are one and they go together. God says TRUST ME, and in doing that, I am obeying Him.

...Sometimes the most profound becomes the most simple, and the simple is the profound....

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Happy Birthday Lainey...9 years old today....




then...


and now....





Joyful...

Filled with giggles...

Smiling face...

Cares about her friends, and is a friend to everyone...

Loves to have her back scratched...very lightly...

A great acrobat, dancer and cheerleader...

Loves to please....

Loves Jesus and loves to pray...

Teacher, instructor, helper and 'little mom'...

Looks beautiful in chocolate brown!

Melts our hearts and makes us smile.



HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY LAINEY! WE LOVE YOU TONS!






Saturday, November 14, 2009

"It Is No Secret What God Can Do"...

Thanks again to Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders for this Saturday blessing!

Okay, now we are going WAY back in time...

I grew up in a preacher's home, not one of the mega preachers or big church preachers, but one of those rare ones that lived by faith. We had some times that I am certain tested their faith, but always, ALWAYS God proved faithful...

My parents were friends with Stuart & Suzy Hamblen for many years. I remember getting a huge box of 'hand me down' clothes from their daughters who were a little older than my sister and I. I couldn't find a single thing to wear in the whole box. I'm sure in looking back, that they were designer clothes.... NOT what we were used to. I was reminded of that story as I remembered this song written by Stuart Hamblen. I remember him as having a big heart, and finding God in a new and deeper way as he grew older. This song will always stir memories of them....





Wednesday, November 11, 2009

...and to top it off... a tea party!

Today we finished our Bible study at church, "Annointed, Transformed, Redeemed", with Beth Moore, Kay Arthur & Priscilla Shirey. It is an AWESOME study. If it comes to your church, I whole heartedly recommend it!

And then... our leader planned a beautiful tea party for all of us. The variety of teacups on the table has to represent both time and thought for many years. Each of us had a cup of our choice filled with many flavors of tea to choose from, and then she had colored tissue and bags for us to wrap our cups and bring them home. This was such a treat for each lady who took this study. I will always treasure my cup and remember the lessons learned from the life of David.

I thought of the pattern in David's life, and the words that also apply to my life and my walk with God:

...CHERISHED

...CHOSEN

...CHERISHED

...CHASTENED

...CHERISHED

...CHANGED

...CHERISHED




























Sunday, November 8, 2009

A few more 'nuggets' from my dad's notes....



My Dad had a special way of saying things, I can still see the smile on his face as he said them. These are a few that were listed in the bulletin at his memorial service:


..."Put all your begs into one ask-it"...


..."Supply and demand.. is the economy of the land.

Need and supply... is the economy of the Lord"...


..."If we do what God tells us to do, He will do what He says He will do"...


..."A man is never taller than when he is on his knees before God"...


..."There is nothing which stretches our faith like praying, and nothing which so tests us as to whether we really believe the plain Word of God. And there is nothing more humbling than when we check our praying with the answers we receive."...


..."God's Word does indeed change a lot of our thinking about prayer. And in the process... it changes us too!"...


..."The lesson is clear: let's keep the umbrella handy when we pray for rain!"...

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Wednesday morning with Beth, Kay & Priscilla...

If you've ever done a Beth Moore bible study, you will understand when I tell you I have just spent another rich morning with Beth Moore...X3, this study also has Kay Arthur & Priscilla Shirey!! We are on the final week of study. It has been such a HUGE blessing to me. There are so many relevant and meaningful truths in this study. Just this week...

Kay Arthur NAILS the costliness of wrong choices at the crossroads of our lives.

She gets very specific about the consequences of sin. Honestly, it makes me want to RUN in the other direction! I wish I could say that I always do that, I don't. But I do know that I have the source of strength living in me to choose NOT to sin. (I Cor.10:13)...

But, like she says...I also know that God in His GRACE, fully forgives and loves a heart that truly repents.Once again, through this study, comes my favorite word... GRACE... what does that word mean to you?

The timeless message of God's GRACE is that it is never too late for any of us. He meets us right where we are and His GRACE is sufficient!

"Grace, Grace, God's Grace
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within
Grace, grace, God's grace
Grace that is greater than all my sin"

Sunday, November 1, 2009

about Worry.....

Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength. -- Corrie Ten Boom

Faith ends where worry begins, and worry ends where faith begins. --George Mueller

One more thing I'm reminded of.... "I have crossed many bridges that I never came to"....

"Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." (Matt.6:34 KJV)

"So don't be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time.." (Matt. 6:34 Living Bible)