Squirrel!

"Squirrel!!!"
Members of my family shout "squirrel!" every time they see a squirrel. Why? Because we have watched National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation countless times and are particularly fond of the squirrel chase scene when Grandpa Griswold shouts "Squirrel!" as though he had spotted a bunch of blood-thirsty savages coming his way.
I found these lovely fellows scurrying about this morning when I took the dog out. There were six squirrels playing in the walnut tree next door but I didn't have my camera at that moment. I love watching them chase and jump and scurry and romp without a care in the world. In reality, these squirrels don't have a care in the world: they are well provided for with an abundance of walnuts, acorns and buckeyes in our block; plenty of old trees for shelter and lots of wires for acrobatic play.

Benazir Bhutto

I felt shaken today when I saw the news of Benazir Bhutto's savage assassination. Despite the accusations that hung about her like flies over the years, I believed her to be an incredibly bold and brave woman in a land that places little value on women in general.

Her loss is felt throughout the world.

Now I hold my breath to see the repercussions of that violent, senseless act of cowardice.

http://voanews.com/english/2007-12-27-voa12.cfm

Every Day Should Be Christmas

"Every day should be Christmas"
I've heard people say.
They like the presents, and cookies and Santa's red sleigh.

Well, those things are nice,
I have to agree,
But I think every day should be Christmas for other reasons I see.

Christmas, the true meaning, should reside in our hearts -
the celebration of His birth is an event set apart.
It brought Hope into a dark world,
Hope that wipes away sin, that gives all a new start.

Hope and new beginnings should have no restriction
But always there for the asking,
Not limited to holidays aswim in pretty fiction.

Every day should be Christmas,
I have to agree.
Every day should be Christmas
So we all can be free.

Christmas Eve!

Tomorrow's the day - the BIG day! It's HIS birthday!
Think about it: the chance for eternal salvation, unconditional love, a great light in a dark world, the defeat of Satan - oh, and no more of that messy sacrifice of animals on the altar!
And to think, His earthly existance began in the womb of a humble young woman.

More Free Christmas Sheet Music

Another page with free Christmas sheet music - enjoy!

Christmas Carol Sheet Music

Free, beautiful sheet music to print and use in your Christmas celebration.

Christmas Carols

Christmas carol, midi and word files. These are all carols considered to be in the public domain, so they are free for your use. Enjoy!

Thank God It's Saturday!

It's been a tough week, and that's not because of scrambling for Christmas, because I'm not. Emotionally I am wrung out.
Erik
Little Erik went to be with the Lord - his service was Monday and it was very emotional for my daughter, Katie, and her friends. School was dismissed at Noon that day to allow students to attend the funeral and many were there. They held each other and cried. They reached out to students they had barely noticed before this event. They held each other up and held each other's hands. They looked one last time upon their friend's body before all of him was gone from this earth forever. They greeted the family with tearful smiles, hugs and handshakes. Everything they did was salted with tears. My heart ached for the family and for these loving and brave students, many of whom were facing death for the first time as adults.
Family
There was emotional strain in our household as well. I don't like airing my dirty laundry, so I won't go into details, but suffice to say, a close family member is an alcoholic who is falling off the wagon hard. If you have had an alcoholic loved one, you know everything that goes along with it. If not, Google alcoholism.
Pray.
I'm just glad it's Saturday morning, calm and quiet. Thank you Lord.

Another Gift Revealed To Jesus

Another Jesus "partier", Joyce said...
"I plan to give Jesus the total me. I do not have a camera so I will talk about my English background with poems and other interesting items."
What a wonderful thing - to give Jesus our "total me". What is your "total me"? How much of you is hidden, or rather, you think is hidden from Jesus?
Luke 8:17 For nothing is hidden, that will not be revealed; nor anything secret, that will not be known and come to light.
Psalms 69:5 God, you know my foolishness. My sins aren't hidden from you.
God Bless You this Christmas season as you decide upon your gift to Jesus Christ.

Happy Birthday Jesus Party . . . more

I have received some great responses to the Happy Birthday Jesus Party invite. Here are some of them:
Greatfullivin said...
I am always up for a good bible study. My gift to Jesus is kind of the same gift every year I don't think He ever tires of it...Sharing with others how much He loves us, and the gift of salvation he brought to us.
Once Upon a Cottage said...
I'll join you in recomitting to the study of God's Word. I want to do a "Bible in a Year" study starting Jan. 1st.Love the nativities around the world. Thank you for participating in Happy Birthday Jesus Blog Party!
Join the party! Tell me what you are giving Jesus for his birthday. Also, if you have a photo (jpg) of a special nativity or CHRISTmas celebration, please send them along!
Love,
Deb

What Are Giving Jesus For His Birthday?

What are you giving Jesus for his birthday? That's the question I ask as we launch the "Happy Birthday Jesus" Blogparty. Post your answers and I'll add them to the blog.
Now - I should probably answer that question myself...
My gift to Christ for his birthday is a renewed commitment to study His Word. It's there as an instruction manual, as spiritual and practical guidance, yet I neglect to study it daily. Is anyone else interested in that gift/commitment? Would you like to join with me to study together?
Post your gifts. If you have a picture of a nativity to share, email it to me at shakeysister@gmail.com and I'll post it on the blog too.
Let's all share in His birthday!

Erik Update

I cannot sleep. I've tried. I've laid and prayed. Now, here I am at 2:45 AM. We received disturbing news last night about my daughter's friend Erik, for whom I've asked you to pray. The pressure has increased in his brain - this is the translation from 13 year-old to 13 year-old. He is not expected to make it through the night. I cannot imagine losing my child. I cannot imagine sitting there, grateful for every minute he's still alive, yet in agony for what he's going through. Only God can help. Only God can heal. Only God can comfort.