It Might Be Something Right Under Your Nose

Today we began a new series at church, which is to help lead us to seeking God for the direction He wants us to take as a church this summer (it kind of falls on the heels of the series we just finished).

The sermon was on the passage of Mary and Martha, where Jesus and his disciples were invited to Martha's house. Martha was busy at work preparing for the guests, while Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening to Him. Martha was ticked off (no doubt) and pointed out Mary's actions, or lack of, to Jesus. She wanted Him to tell her sister, Mary, to help her with the preparations. Jesus told Martha that Mary was actually doing the better thing.

Part of the new series is to have some people in the congregation become Marthas in which they (a deacon and pastor will also be there with the host) invite 12 or 13 people into their homes for "fireside chats"...which, I think will include Scripture, discussions, prayer and listening to Jesus guiding us in our lives, and the direction for the church to take. Pastor J didn't go too much into that just yet, as that is coming up in a few weeks and he will explain in better detail then.  Pastor J also encouraged us to be Marys at this time,  in that we sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to what He has to say.

Anyway, Pastor J encouraged people to linger after the service and pray and take a few minutes (how ever long they wanted) to just listen to Jesus, to listen for His voice.

I was waiting for a friend of mine (and not actually praying), who was talking to someone else, and Pastor J came over and sat down beside me - after talking and praying with several others. He asked me how I was doing, and offered to pray for me. He asked what  I wanted to pray about.

I told him how I'd been praying about a couple of things (which I won't mention here), and he is aware of at least one of the things. I said that it seemed like I've been asking for so long, but I wasn't receiving - you know the verse, "ask and you shall receive". Pastor J said something that I had never thought of before. He said that maybe I wasn't "receiving" because God had something for me (or something for me to do) that is right under my nose, but because I've been focused on what I think it is God wants me to do, that I'm just not noticing what it is God actually wants me to do. His suggestion actually opened my mind, my thoughts - maybe he's right.

So, that is one of the things we prayed about, and it's something I'm going to continue to pray about. I would also appreciate if you could pray for this for me too - that I listen for God's voice, for what He wants me to do, what might be right under my nose that I'm failing to see. :o)


What can I pray about for you today?

Ash Wednesday/Lent

I looked at the calendar the other day. I had just finished writing down the location, time, etc. for a half day of work. I noticed something was printed on the 9th, and glanced at it. It said "Ash Wednesday".

To be honest, I never really gave any thought to the meaning behind Ash Wednesday. Today, I decided to look it up (after reading this post from Pete Wilson) to learn more about it.

Ash Wednesday is the first day that marks a 40 day period, aka Lent, (not including Sundays) until Easter.  Not all Christian denominations observe Lent, but for those that do, this period of time is when they will abstain from something (a certain food, habit, etc.) for the 40 days.

Lent is a time for fasting, using moderation, repenting, and observing spiritual discipline. I can remember growing up that it seemed to me only Catholics took part in Lent. That is because all of my friends who were Catholic would talk about what they were giving up for Lent. None of my other friends (who were not Catholic) ever talked about it. I know now, that Lent is not just for Catholics. In the past several years, I have become more aware (probably from reading different Christian blogs) of people in other denominations taking part in Lent.

I've never taken part in Lent (because I had always thought it was for Catholics, and I'm not a Catholic), and in all honesty, don't know if I will this year or not. It will have to be something I pray about today/tonight and figure out what I should abstain from for the next 40 days, beginning tomorrow. I am sure there are a lot of things I could give up (fast from) for Lent - computer time, watching TV, certain foods, bad habits...and when I'm craving those thing, use the time to pray and focus on Jesus instead.

I'm sure it would be a good thing to participate in Lent...but I don't know if I will.

Are you taking part in Lent? What are you giving up for this 40 day period before Easter?

In the Field

Irises in a Field

The grass withers, the flower fades,

But the word of our God stands forever.

         Isaiah 40:8

They Say Spring Is Coming

We have oh so much snow.

They say spring is coming, but I think the snow will be around for a little while. I'm not overly fond of snow - kind of odd for living in a country (or part of the country) that gets snow every winter...and in a case like this year, a little too much - OK, a LOT too much.

The Back Yard



Looking towards the front yard from the driveway

 On a positive note, I am thankful that I do live in a country that has four seasons (including a snowy one). I am also thankful that I can count on God's promise:

While the earth remains,

Seedtime and harvest,

And cold and heat,

And summer and winter,

And day and night

Shall not cease.

       (Genesis 8:22)

So, even though I'm not a big fan of winter, I can count on the fact that as long as this earth remains, the season of cold and fluffy white stuff will come about once a year. You'd think after spending my life in a country that has snow (there was even a little snow in South Korea when I lived there), I'd be used to it. And, I guess I am. But still...

They say spring is coming...and I'm really looking forward it!

What is your favourite season?

Is This Not The Fast Which I Choose?

Yesterday's sermon was great, and it definitely spoke to me. The pastor even said that he can't ever read this without feeling convicted.


Pastor T (our pastor of family ministries) spoke on Isaiah 58. The chapter talks about how God's people would cry out loud to the Lord, they were being obedient in what they were doing:

Yet they seek Me day by day and delight to know my ways,
As a nation that has done righteousness
And has not forsaken the ordinance of their God
They ask Me for just decisions,
They delight in the nearness of God.
        (Isaiah 58:2)

The people fasted and humbled themselves, but they felt God was not listening to them, or seeing what they were doing.


So often, I think, we also feel that way. I know in my own life, especially these last few years, I have definitely felt like God has turned a blind eye, and ignores the things I do (or try to do) for Him.


There was one problem, however, with what the Israelites were doing. We read in verse 3 that, "...on the day of your fast you find your desire."

Basically, they were being selfish in fasting and in being humble (which, really, is a false humbleness or humility). They weren't helping others, and they put the focus all on themselves. They fasted and had food that they weren't eating, but they did not share it with those who did need it. They were doing these things (fasting, being humble, etc.) but yet were acting in an evil manner to others - "..you fast for contention and strife and to strike with a wicked fist" (verse 4). That is totally not the way to behave!


God goes on, in verses 6 and 7 to tell his people:

Is this not the fast which I choose,
To loosen the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the bands of the yoke,
And to let the oppressed go free
And break every yoke?


Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry
And bring the homeless poor into the house;
When you see the naked, to cover him;
And not to hide yourself from your own flesh?

The people needed to be putting their focus on others, and not themselves. They needed to stop being wicked and evil, and to start sharing their food with those who had none (or very little), share their homes and their beds with those who were homeless, and give their clothing to those in need.


During my walk, for the last while, I have felt like God has been ignoring me (even though I know He hasn't). You see, I put the focus on why God has not done something for me, or answered prayers; but, in actuality, it is because of what I haven't been doing.

While Pastor T was speaking, it occurred to me that I have been acting the same way the Israelites were. For so long, it has been all about me - what I need, what I want. I definitely think it's time for a change in my actions! I need to start focusing on the needs of others.


I love what God promises (in verses 8 to 11) if we put our focus on others and not ourselves, and do as He says in the verses above:

Then your light will break out like the dawn,
And your recovery will speedily spring forth;
And your righteousness will go before you;
The glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.


Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;
You will cry, and He will say, 'Here I am '
If you remove the yoke from your midst,
The pointing of the finger and speaking wickedness,


And if you give yourself to the hungry
And satisfy the desire of the afflicted,
Then your light will rise in darkness
And your gloom will become like midday.


And the LORD will continually guide you,
And satisfy your desire in scorched places,
And give strength to your bones;
And you will be like a watered garden,
And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.

Isn't God awesome?!

Are there any Bible verses that are speaking to you today? I'd love to hear what they are in the comment section!

Lately...

These are some thoughts and feelings I've been going through lately. They are nicely summed up in these two videos by Matthew West...








These are currently two of my favourite songs. What are your favourite songs?

If I Was Meant To Have Patience...I'd Have Been A Doctor!

I've always thought of myself has having patience. I somewhat taught myself to knit (couldn't quite remember the knit stitch and how to cast on that I learned when I was seven), though I did get a little help from one of the ladies at work when things didn't seem to be working out. Mind you, I used some tutorials as well, to get a little help. But, it wasn't an easy process - especially using the double pointed needles to make socks and mittens!

When I'm teaching someone how to knit, I have lots of patience. When I'm working with the kids at school, I have a good amount of patience. When I'm waiting for someone (unless I'm in a great hurry), I tend to have patience.

But, when it comes to some things, I'm not patient at all. I want it now; I want it yesterday. And, my mantra of the day becomes "If I was meant to have patience (patients), I'd have been a doctor!" (Ok, so it sounds better than it looks written out...because you don't have to show the spellings of both words...)

This morning I was doing my Bible reading, like I try to do every morning. Once again, like I usuall do, I asked God to show me something, reveal something to me, help me get something out of my reading. I don't always get something, but I think I did today.

I started reading Genesis again the other day, and today's chapter was on the flood waters receeding, and the ark coming to rest on Mount Ararat (chapter 8). We are told that Noah, et. al., endured 40 days and 40 nights of rain;  that "the water prevailed upon the earth one hundred and fifty days" (Gen. 7:24); that the waters came in the second month, and in the seventh month "the ark rested upon th emountains of Ararat" (8:4). The waters then "decreased steadily until the tenth month" (8:5) It was at this point when the tops of the mountain became visible.

So, quite a bit of time has gone by at this point. In verse 6, we read that it was another 40 days that Noah sent out the raven. After that he sent out the dove, which returned to him. He then waited seven days before sending out the dove again. This time it returned with the olive leaf. The inhabitants of the ark did not leave then; instead, they waited a further seven days.

All in all, it took a long time - "In the 600th year of Noah's life, in the second month on the 17th day, the rains began. (Gen. 7:11). When Noah was 601 (the first month on the first day), the water dried up from the earth. In the second month on the 27th day the earth was dry and Noah was told to leave the ark (Gen. 8:13-16). I'm sure it required a LOT of patience from the 8 members of the ark. Can you imagine the smell that came from the ark with all those animals and even the people, with no bathrooms??!!! I would think that situation would either help to create patience or drive you insane.

So, that got me to thinking about Abraham and Sarah having to wait a long time for a child; Hannah and Elizabeth also waited a long time to have children.

And, ultimately, the greatest test of patience - waiting for the arrival of the Messiah (Jesus)! And, now we wait patiently for Jesus to return.

God's timing is not our timing. What seems like a great deal of time to us may only be the blink of an eye for God. And that's where I tend to get frustrated.

In my own life, there are things I'm still waiting for, and though I don't know if I'll ever get them, I try to be patient. I try to tell myself that God's timing is perfect, and I just need to wait patiently. But, saying is a lot easier than doing! In all honesty, there are times when I feel like giving up. And, admittedly, I say at times that I am giving up on something, but then I find myself going back and starting the waiting process over again - just in case.

Patience can be something I struggle with, but I try to keep my focus on the Lord, and not me or whatever I am waiting on. Like I said though, it's not easy to do!


What is something you struggle with?

Friday Fill Ins

1. New experiences and possibilities often scare me.




2. If you don't take an unexpected turn on a daily walk you might miss out on something beautiful.



3. I'm looking forward to the day I get my very own classroom - hopefully kindergarten to grade two or three...maybe four.



4. Unimaginative people never have imagined.



5. Try to find an end to the several feet of snow we've received in the last month or so.



6. I'd like to think I could find out just what exactly is what's extraordinary about me.



7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to doing some knitting, tomorrow my plans include more knitting, probably, and Sunday, I want to be able to hang out with my bestie, my BFF as we haven't been able to in about a month!

Happy Valentines Day...

Dear Jesus,

Here is my Valentine's Day card to you:

Yes, Jesus, that's right. I choo choo choose you - not just as my Valentine, but as my Saviour!

Love,

Shelley
xox

With A Blogger Here and Blogger There

Here's a list of a few pretty cool blogs I've discovered recently. Why not check them out:

1. Blessed Beyond Measure

2. Cycle Guy's Spin

3. Windows and Paper Walls

4. Ragamuffin Soul

5. Beta Christian

I'll post links to some others at another time, and as I come across them.

Question: What are some of your favourite blogs to visit? Why not leave a link in the comments for me to check out!

Storms May Come, And Storms May Go...

Snowstorm

The snowflakes started their quiet, gentle descent, drifting down from the grey skies overhead. Soon, they turned to fat, fluffy flakes that gathered quickly in a soft, white blanket on the ground. The evergreens and other trees reached out to collect their ‘no two alike’ treasures on their bows.

All around, it was peaceful; but it didn’t last. All too soon the flakes changed again, and within the hour the wind picked up, howling and whipping the snow every which way. At times, it was near impossible to see even a few feet into the distance – whiteout conditions ensued.

That snowy scene has taken place at regular intervals within the last six weeks in my city. We’ve had at least one snow storm each week in that amount of time, and it happened again late last night and only ended around noon today. We were expecting a further 30 cm (almost a foot) on top of the roughly 40 cm we already had. That’s over 2 feet of snow – and that’s not counting the drifts and banks from where snow has been shoveled or blown from roads, walkways, and driveways.

Thinking of all the storms we’ve been having (and not only in my city, but in many around the world) reminds me of the storms we face in our lives and how they often leave behind drifts and damage and debris. Sometimes we encounter unpleasant circumstances – pain, suffering, the death of a loved one, loss of a job, etc., that turn our worlds upside down and inside out.

It doesn’t matter, really, whether or not our storms are frequent or infrequent, or if our everyday trials pile up slowly or quickly, for there is Someone we can (and should) turn to, someone who can help us weather our storms.

That Someone is Jesus.

Jesus can help us through the darkest of nights, shining His light along the way. He can comfort us through the violent storms, and the rough waters. He is there for us and helps to bear our burdens:

Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden (Psalm 68:19)

Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you…(Psalm 55:22)

And, just like the snow, our troubles and problems will not last. They will melt away. But like the over 2 feet of snow we have here, it may take longer than we’d like for them to disappear. Don’t give up, however, hold on to Jesus, because the storms will pass away, the snow will melt and a season of rebirth, growth, and strength will follow.

Remember Egypt



Looking towards a hazy Cairo from the pyramids

 With all the recent events going on in Egypt, I began thinking of my trip there in February 2008 - 3 years ago!

I went to Egypt with three friends from when I was living and teaching in South Korea. The four of us spent a few days shy of a month in that country, travelling from Alexandria, to Cairo, to Luxor and Aswan, and places in between.

We visited many tombs, temples, and pyramids. We rode on camels (which was a lot of fun), walked around the busy streets, did lots of shopping, enjoying the sights and sounds of such a busy place, bought lots of souvenirs, and just took in the wonders of that ancient land.



Horses race past as we ride on camels to the pyramids



Egypt has its good points and its bad points, but overall I am so thankful I was able to go and experience the culture. I was afraid that I wouldn't like the food there, as I really didn't know what to expect; however, I ended up loving it! The people, for the most part, were friendly, though there is lots of begging due to the poor conditions/economy.


Egypt is in need of our prayers - prayers for what is happening, the safety of the people, the government, new leaders, direction, etc. To be honest, I don't even really know what to pray for exactly. I do pray for these things, but we are told in the Bible that even when we don't know what to pray, the Holy Spirit prays on our behalf (I can't find the passage right now, otherwise I'd post it here. Feel free to let me know where it's found in the comments).

I thought I'd post a few photos of when I was in Egypt. I think if you click on them they will enlargen. I have probably a thousand photos (or close to it) and can always show more in future posts.


On the deck before our Nile Dinner Cruise




Please join me in remembering Egypt when we pray.

Have I mentioned?

I've gone through a couple boxes of Kleenex already. The nose spray is dwindling down. The Vicks VapoRub has been consitently slathered on. And, The cold pills and NeoCitrine have been ingested every four hours for the last several days.

My nose is running, though that seems a little more recent, I'm congested (that's starting to clear up a little), the sneezing is gale force when it happens, my ear has become somewhat "clogged" (though I can still hear), and I've now developed a raspy, barking cough.

I'm sick.

I hate being sick - mind you, I don't think I know of anyone who actually enjoys being sick, but I digress. I've been fairly lucky this winter season; this is the first cold I've had in awhile. Thankfully, I don't think it's the flu as I don't have any aches, pains, or fever. I've been dealing with this now since this past Saturday - five days. I hope this bug doesn't last much longer.

"If anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick..." (James 5:14-15)

While I don't expect you all to rush up here and anoint me with oil, I sure would appreciate your prayers, offered in faith, for my health to be restored. I hate to complain, so I'll stop here with my post.

Have I mentioned that I hate being sick?

Talent or Gift

Hundreds of fingers flew over computer keyboards, the clickety-clacking echoing in the large office. My mind was racing, not particularly focusing on work. I had been thinking about a couple of evenings before, when I had been at Bible study.


“Ok, God.” I thought. “I have been thinking about this since the other day, trying to figure out how to use this gift for you. I can’t come up with anything. I really have no idea how or what to do, so you are going to have to tell me in no uncertain terms what to do.”

The prayer had barely left the confines of my brain when the answer appeared. “Crochet baby blankets.” It was more of a thought in my mind than an actual voice.

During that particular Bible study, we talked about spiritual gifts, and even took the “quiz” offered by my church. It was a typical spiritual gifts inventory in which you answer questions, add up the corresponding amounts beside each answer and then whichever has the highest totals is where you are gifted (you can also find these inventories online).

At the time, my highest total fell in the “craftsmanship” category. As I mentioned, I could not come up with a single idea of how to use that spiritual gift to glorify the Lord. But, I prayed and God answered me. I decided that after work that day I was heading to Wal-Mart to buy yarn and a crochet hook (I hadn’t crocheted in years). I wasn’t too worried about a pattern, because often times the band around the yarn has patterns printed on them.

My idea – with help from the Lord – was to crochet the baby blankets and donate them to the hospital or the local pregnancy resource center. I was so excited! The countdown until the end of the work day had begun, and it was just after lunch. I remember the afternoon dragged on and on as I waited anxiously to start this new endeavour.

That was about ten years ago. Since then I’ve expanded my skills to include knitting, which I mostly do now – mittens, socks, hats, scarves, etc. I typically put them on the mitten tree at church and they are given (free) to those in need. I haven’t actually made any baby blankets (knitted or crocheted) for about seven or eight years now.

Over the years, I’ve struggled with whether or not my knitting/crocheting can be considered a spiritual gift. Is it a talent given to me by God, yes; but an actual spiritual gift, I don’t know. You see, I after I had taken the inventory “quiz”, I had believed craftsmanship was a spiritual gift. Then, I took part in a discussion on a Christian forum about spiritual gifts. I had mentioned that craftsmanship was my biggest gifting, and was promptly told by some that it is not something listed in Corinthians or Romans or any other place in the Bible as being an actual spiritual gift. According to this person, only what was listed in those chapters (prophecy, tongues, interpretation, etc.) were actual spiritual gifts.

Do I lose sleep over this? Of course not. Even if it isn't a "real" spiritual gift, I can use it to glorify the Lord - and really, isn't that what counts?

So, my question to you is this: Are spiritual gifts only those that are listed in the New Testament, or can anything be considered one? What is the difference between a God-given talent and a spiritual gift?

Out My Front Door

Today is a storm day. Again. Since the week between Christmas and New Year's, it seems as though we've had a snow storm at least once a week. One day a week ago, we also had a day of freezing rain, which also closed things down.

Schools are closed. Several business and work places are closed. Roads are bad.

I've seen the snow plow go down our street (and back up) once. The plow that also comes to do our driveway (and pretty well everyone else's on the street too) has been around once, just after the street plow came around. Since then, the wind has picked up and there is a great deal of blowing snow and poor visability.

This photo (above) is looking out my front door. It's part of the street (we are on a bend) looking up to another street. You can see the stop sign and the house on the other side of that street. What you can't see is the street. You can see the high snow banks from the previous storms where the plows have pushed the snow off the roads. The tree at the bottom is just a new one planted this fall, but the snow is up high on the trunk. To be fair, it's also at the road so a lot of the snow is from the snowbank.

The wind wasn't as strong at that point (it's picked up since I took the picture), but you can get the feeling from the photo that it is storming.

The photo to the right was taken at the same time, and looks over to the park beside the house. Still lots of snow and blowing snow. The graininess of the photo is actually snow.

I am thankful for snow days like this. I don't particularly care for the snow (or winter and cold in general) - which might seem odd since I live in Canada...

But, I am thankful that I have shelter from the storm. I am thankful to be in a house with heat to keep me warm from the storm.

I am thankful for the beauty in nature - the snow, when it is on the evergreen trees, looks so pretty.

I am thankful that I live in a part of the world that actually has four different seasons.

I am thankful that the country I live in is free, and I have freedom. I am thankful this freedom allows me to worship and praise the Lord in public, in my home, in the homes of others, in my church - and I don't have to worry and fear of being imprisoned or tortured or killed for my faith.

So, today is a day that I am going to try and focus on being thankful for what I have. What are you thankful for today?

And They Were All Filled With the Holy Spirit

First of all, let me apologize for such a long absence. Just a day or so after my previous post I began experiencing problems with my computer. It turns out that the hard drive on my lap top decided to crash, or whatever it does. It took me nearly a month to get it fixed (had to get paid first). I was also having problems with our main computer, the one the modem and wireless router are hooked up to. For that problem, we discovered (after getting the electrician to come in for another issue and getting him to look at that plug/socket) the socket in which the computer and router were plugged into wasn't working.  So, to make a long story short, everything seems to be in working order now.

Recently, I began reading the book of Acts, which I haven't done for some time. As I read, a thought/question popped into my mind - and it's still there, since I'm not sure if I can answer it, or if anyone can.  Let me explain:

In the book of Acts, we read about how the apostles received the promised Holy Spirit. Acts 2:3-4 states:

And there appeard to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them, and they were all filled with the Holly Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance."

In chapter 3 we read about Peter and John healing the lame beggar, and chapter 12 tells the account of Peter's miraculous release from jail. I should note that I'm not finished reading Acts yet, so these are the only miracles I've included in this post.

Anyway, in today's society, it seems that there are no miracles taking place after people receive the Holy Spirit (i.e. the tongues of fire appearing upon receipt of the Holy Spirit, no speaking in tongues, no healings, etc.). It makes me wonder if these particular signs and wonders were only relevant in those days. Why don't we hear of more miracles happening that help lead others to Christ (as mentioned in Acts)? Was this something that needed to be done in the early days of the church? Are they no longer applicable to us today?

Do miracles (those mentioned in Acts) happen a great deal more than we realize or know, and we just have become so skeptical about them (due to those who perform false miracles and claim they are from the Lord, when in fact no miracle has actually taken place)? Or, are we just not as "in tune" with the Lord as we think we are?

Have we become complacent (if that's the right word) in our walk, or are these signs and wonders - these miracles - just not applicable to us? In other words, were these things only gifted to the apostles/disciples who walked with Jesus when He walked the earth?

The Bible tells us that every one of God's children has received spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12), but why does it seem as though they aren't being used? Are they (the gifts) only used to build up the church, only for those who have already accpeted Christ as Savior to see/hear? Why do we not hear of hundreds or thousands coming to Christ when someone speaks about Jesus, and that many signs and wonders/miracles being performed among them at these times?

I know, lots of questions. And, I'm not even sure if they make any sense. All I know was that as I read these chapters, I thought of how exciting it must have been, how awesome to be in a crowd where everyone was speaking in each others tongue (and even being accused of being drunk by others because of it), and having the others understand what was being said.

Yes, I know the gifts are for edifying the church/body of Christ, but it just seems to me that these amazing things just don't seem to happen when people receive the Holy Spirit now...or do they, and it just isn't mentioned?

So, I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Have you had any experiences as is mentioned in the Book of Acts? Have you had similar questions that you've had answered by your pastor, and if so, how were they answered?

Relaxing Holiday

Well, it's three days after Christmas, and all is well. We did get a white Christmas this year, though there wasn't much - maybe a few centimetres. That all changed yesterday. We ended up getting a snow storm - the very same one that moved up the eastern coast of the US.

It was still snowing today, though it had tapered off some yesterday, last night, and today (the snow was off and on). It was quite windy at times though, which caused drifting and blowing snow. I think there was a little rain mixed in as well, because when I was out cleaning the car off, I had to scrape and there was a little ice on the windshield.

The roads weren't too good today. I had to go to the grocery store for a few things, and then around supper time I had to drive my little nephew (he came to visit with us for awhile this afternoon) back over to his other grandparents, and the roads weren't plowed. There were bare tracks in places, but there was more snow than bareness. That was on the main road - the side streets didn't have bare patches or anything, so they were worse.

I haven't been doing a whole lot since Christmas - just relaxing and catching up on some knitting and reading. I'm going to hang out with my best friend tomorrow afternoon and evening. We're going to hang out, watch a movie, order pizza and do some crafty sorts of things (more than likely it will be knitting). She's went back to university for her bachelor of education, and the Christmas break will be the only time we will be able to really hang out, since during school she is super busy. 

I had a good Christmas. It was quiet - only me, my mom, my older brother and his wife. My other brother and his family didn't get up this year, and we definitely missed them! I think one of the best things about Christmas that I enjoy is having family over.

What do you enjoy about Christmas?

Merry Christmas

I would like to take this time to wish each and every one of you a very peaceful, joyous and blessed Christmas.

Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season!

Do Not Swear...

Several years ago, I accompanied my dad to the motor vehicle office with regard to giving him my car. I'm not exactly sure now what we had to do, but I do remember part of it involving the lady behind the counter pulling out a Bible and making us both place our hands on it and swearing (obviously not the vulgar swearing).

But above all, my brethern, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment. (James 5:12)

I remember feeling guilty afterwards (yes, I repented of it as well) and wishing I had the strength to have told her that I would not put my hand on the Bible and swear, and then quote (and even show her) the above scripture. I don't know how that would have gone over though.

I often wonder about people in court, when they are made to place their hands on the Bible and swear or take an oath - what would happen, or what would be done, if the person refused to do so and then quoted  James 5:12...would they get tossed out of court, would they get thrown in jail for causing problems, would they be forced to take the oath, or would the judge accept the denial and quote.

Have you ever refused to swear or take an oath by placing your hand on a Bible (as in situations above, or similar)? What has been the result? Or, are/were you like me and made the oath or swear and then feel guilty after?

Xmas?

I was going to do a post on the whole Xmas thing, but I just read Jim's post, and he pretty much sums up my thoughts on the matter too. Why not head over there and check it out.

Would love you to come back and leave your thoughts on the matter (writing Xmas instead of Christmas) as well.