It Is Finished!

I am not a big football fan.  In fact I could live my whole life without football ever gracing the screen of my television.  I love my Wildcats (high school team where I teach), but as far as football goes I am just not into it.  The funny thing is I live in Alabama, the state with the biggest rivalry known on the face of the earth.  From the time Auburn and Alabama football begins in the fall I withdraw quietly from Facebook and any other social media.    I grew up in South Florida and just do not remember this kind of rivalry between Florida State and University of Florida.  Even my Florida friends do not post on social media the hateful things that you get out of Alabama.  Last night was the end.  In my household...just the two of us....was an Auburn grad (me) and a Florida State fan (Frank).  It was a quiet night....with an occassional, "Go, Go, Go!" being heard from Franks recliner.  I read a book and glanced at the television from time to time.  I have to admit that deep in my heart I wanted Auburn to pull this one out,....but it was not to be.  Before I could leave my chair and go to bed social media was flooded with nasty comments.  I am sick of it.  I am tired of hearing about the rights and wrongs of  Jameis Winston...I thought we lived in a country where one was innocent until PROVEN guilty. He never was....yet it will haunt him the rest of his life. I thnk it is kind of neat that Florida State lost the very first BCS National Championship against Tennessee and now they have won the very last BCS National Championship against Auburn.  I am proud of the 'Noles.  I am Native Floridian.  I am proud of Auburn.  I am an Auburn grad.  I am glad to have a reprieve from college football for a few months.  I will watch the Super Bowl....but only for the entertainment and the commercials.  In the days leading up to tonight I have heard so many comments being made that I really did not want to go anywhere....I was afraid I would be around someone from a rivalry college and the discussion would get heated.  You know there are so many more....more important things to devote your time and efforts toward...like winning souls to Christ.  I wish people would get as excited about going to church on Sunday....as they do about going to a football game and then posting hateful things on social media.  I wish we could look at people and know they are Christians by the shirts they are wearing, the flags they are flying, the license plates they have on their cars.....but you can tell more about what team they support instead.  Sigh....in my perfect little world....football and every other sport would be a game that people played for the fun of it and Las Vegas gamblers would not get rich from it.  Oh well, for another year.....football is over....It is Finished!  Hallelujah.....now we can focus on the Winter Olympics.

Christmas Bread

I started my sermon on Sunday with this little ditty.  My scripture was Matthew 2:1-12.  the story was a real attention getter....I know it got mine.  It seems there was a Jewish lady named Mrs. Rosenberg who many years ago was stranded late one night at a fashionable resort - one that did not admit Jews. The desk clerk looked down at his book and said, "Sorry, no room. The hotel is full." The Jewish lady said, "But your sign says that you have vacancies." The desk clerk stammered and then said curtly, "You know that we do not admit Jews. Now if you will try the other side of town..." Mrs. Rosenberg stiffened noticeable and said, "I’ll have you know I converted to your religion." The desk clerk said, "Oh, yeah, let me give you a little test. How was Jesus born?" Mrs. Rosenberg replied, "He was born to a virgin named Mary in a little town called Bethlehem." "Very good," replied the hotel clerk. "Tell me more." Mrs. Rosenberg replied, "He was born in a manger." "That’s right," said the hotel clerk. "And why was he born in a manger?" Mrs. Rosenberg said loudly, "Because a jerk like you in the hotel wouldn’t give a Jewish lady a room for the night!"

I have to admit that many times I have asked myself.....Why Bethlehem?  We know the story of Bethlehem, and what happened there. But, of all the cities, towns and villages in Palestine why did the Lord God choose such an unheard-of hamlet as Bethlehem for the birth of the greatest figure ever to enter into human history? If a site selection committee had been appointed, the name of Bethlehem probably would have never made the list. There are all kinds of important reasons to favor another location.  Jesus could have been born in the city of Hebron.  I mean it played an important role in the beginning of Hebrew history. Abraham, Jacob, Joseph and later David were associated with Hebron.
On the other hand, Jerusalem is an even more logical choice. Six hundred eleven times the city is mentioned in the Old Testament. For centuries, from the day David captured it from the Jebusites to make it his city, Jerusalem was the center of religious and civil life in Israel. The magnificent temple of Solomon was there. The royal palace too. Our site selection committee would be hard pressed to find reasons to deny Jerusalem the privilege of welcoming the new king. But Jerusalem fails to make the cut.  There was always Nazareth, too. This is a logical favorite because it was the home of Mary and Joseph. It offered the most in convenience. Life could go on as usual for Joseph, Mary and Jesus surrounded by relatives and good neighbors. No interruption in the daily flow of activity. So why Bethlehem? By the ancient Prophet’s own words Bethlehem "was small among the clans of Judah" (Micah 5:2 NIV). For whatever the reasons, Bethlehem never rose to a position of prominence in its entire history. Two events stand out in its history, though. It was here that Israel’s great and ideal king, poet, and hero, King David, was born and grew up. Before that, a most beautiful love story, the story of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz in the Book of Ruth, took place. But for the most part, people came and went in Bethlehem with no sense of destiny for many years. This notion of obscurity is captured by a verse from one of the favorite songs sung during the Christmas season…

O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie!
Above the deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by;
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.

Bethlehem’s beginning dates back into the dim past of history. It had lain still in a "deep and dreamless sleep" for nearly two thousand years before shepherds came to seek a babe lying in a manger or Magi from the east were led by a star and bowed to the new king. Why wake it now? Well, let’s look at the name itself. Bethlehem is a Hebrew word. The name literally means, “house of bread.” And I think this is significant in 3 ways.
1) Christ was born in Bethlehem, "the house of bread", to identify with the common man. Jesus was not born in the house of royalty, nor the house of riches, nor the house of celebrity. Jesus was not born in Jerusalem, or in Rome, or in Athens, or in Alexandria. Jesus was not born in any political, commercial, cultural, educational, or socially significant city of the day. When Micah, the Old Testament prophet, foretold the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, he emphasized its lack of significance to the world. "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. " (Micah 5:2)   Bethlehem - "The House of Bread". Bread is one of life’s most common things. God wanted His Son available to all. His birth was announced to shepherds, the common man, but not to King Herod. His cradle was a manger, an animal’s feeding trough in a lowly stable. You don’t have to be rich to know Him. You don’t have to be well-known or popular to know Him. Just be you. Jesus came not for the religious, for the ones who thought they were alright, but for the ones who were aware of their needs. 
2) Christ was born in Bethlehem to satisfy our spiritual hunger. Jesus said, " I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." (John 6:35)
Bread is a good comparison to our Lord because He satisfies, gratifies and strengthens us spiritually just as bread does physically. Many are eating at the wrong table. Isaiah 55:2 says, “Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.”  It is easy to get caught up in searching for meaning in life from the wrong things because there are a lot of things that bring temporary happiness. But only Christ satisfies the eternal dimension of the human spirit.  Christ is all the soul of man needs for spiritual satisfaction. That fact that Jesus was born in "The House of Bread" gives us confidence that God does indeed want to choose us to be His children, no matter how insignificant we may seem to ourselves or to the world around us.
And lastly, 3) Christ was born in Bethlehem to show us that each of us must choose him as Savior for ourselves. If one person eats a meal, it doesn’t satisfy any other person’s hunger.  The Bible says that "we are all partakers of that one bread." (1 Cor. 1:17) That "one bread" is Christ. He is the only bread that offers life and the decision to receive Him is an individual one. And He invites each of us to partake of His presence today.  Are you willing to step out and take a chance????
 

Who Am I? Why Do You Care?

Today is one of those days.  We had breakfast with Beth and Ron this morning and I felt fine.....we are having supper with Deborah and Danny this evening.....I should feel fine.....but I don't.  My heart is hurting.   I fall into these days every now and then and I guess I won the lottery for feeling down today.  I am sitting here in my house.....feeling miserable.  I  am not sure if it is cabin fever.....or what....but the world is one big shade of gray.  As I sat here in the house....I got my IPad and went to my Pandora app.  I put my headset on and the world began to feel right again. This was especially true after Casting Crown's song, Who Am I? cam on.  I found myself with my bible open in my life and my tunes soothing in my ear asking....Who Am I?  Why Do You Care?  The words of the song just crashed into my soul taking away the pain.

 

Who Am I?

 

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt? (Why would you be bothered with my little insignificant pain?)
Who am I, that the bright and morning star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart?

 

Not because of who I am (I am nothing much)
But because of what you've done (you gave  your life for me)
Not because of what I've done (I have done not much)
But because of who you are (You are I AM)

 

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind

Still you hear me when I'm calling
Lord, you catch me when I'm falling
And you told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours (Ahhhhhh there it is....my answer....He cares because I am his.)

 

Who am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love
And watch me rise again?
Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me? (Believe me Lord it is really storming in my heart right now)

 

Not because of who I am
But because of what you've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who you are

 

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind

Still you hear me when I'm calling
Lord, you catch me when I'm falling
And you told me who I am
I am Yours

 

Not because of who I am
But because of what you've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who you are

 

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind

Still you hear me when I'm calling
Lord, you catch me when I'm falling
And you told me who I am
I am Yours

I am Yours, I am Yours
Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?
'Cause I am Yours
I am Yours (ahhhh what peace this brings.  I think I will get up and get ready to go spend an evening with good, dear friends.....Thanks for the musical answer God.)

Five Minute Friday: The Tiniest Fighters

I began participating in Five Minute Friday a year ago and it has been a great outlet for freewriting for me.  I have gotten a great deal of inspiration from this.  Maybe you would like to try it....especially if your New Year's resolution was to write more.  So, let’s do this thing. Let’s write.
Set your timer, clear your head, for five minutes of free writing without worrying about getting it right.  Here is how it goes:

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back to Lisa Jo's blog and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..
Oh and Ahem, if you would take pity and turn off comment verification, it would make leaving some love on your post that much easier for folks!
OK, are you ready? Please give us your best five minutes on:::

FIGHT

Go
The word fight means many things to me.  To me, the high school teacher it is something we find students doing in the hallways and in front of the school.  This is especially true before a major break, like Christmas, Fall, or Spring Breaks.  The kids get tired of each other and begin egging each other on.  During my tenth year of teaching a fight started in the hallway just outside my room.  I went to break it up and as I reached for one of the boys his elbow hit me in the nose....breaking it.  It stopped the fight.....but it also left me with two black eyes and a gross looking nose for a few weeks.  The word fight also means to stand up for something you believe in strongly.  I was a teenager during the Vietnam era and fought for the rights of the soldiers to be treated with dignity when they returned home.  I still wear a POW bracelet for a Navy Pilot who never returned. Oh yes, I will fight for my rights when I feel called to do so....but beginning on October 1st I discovered a new definition of the word fight.  One of our church members, Magen gave birth to twins at 22 weeks gestation and the fight was on.  The girls were given a zero chance of survival if they were born before 26 weeks.  They took the odds and entered the world and our lives at 22 weeks, weighing in at a little over a pound each.  Their names were Ansley Kash and Avery Kruze and they were the littlest fighters I have ever known. 

The first month passed with some problems....but they fought.  The second month passed and they continued to fight.  They fought infections, brain bleeds, the fact that they were way too early....but they fought.....and hard.  Kash had a level 4 brain bleed and had to have a shunt put in.  During this procedure they learned she actually had two and had had a stroke.  She would be at Children's Hospital for a good while, so the girls were apart for the first time since birth.  Kash still fought a hard battle.  Magen and Keaton went from the NICU at UAB to Children's to spend time with the girls.  On the 21st of December we got a phone call that said Kash was not going to make it and her life support was going to be removed.  We made the 2 hour drive to Birmingham that preachers dread.  A long day passed and the decision was made by the parents to wait until after the Christmas holidays. 

During the day the girls were rejoined in the NICU at UAB.  Pictures were made of the two of them and family holding them.  It was such a tender day.  Christmas was bleak in Rock Mills.  More pictures were made of the girls and grandparents holding them. 

Family Christmas shots were made and Santa and Mrs. Claus came to visit. 

On Friday, December 27th, as her parents held her little Kash gave up her fight and went to be with Jesus.  The viewing was on Saturday night, the 28th.  I have never been to a baby visitation with an open casket.  It was tough....but I found myself fighting to be strong for the family (my dear friends).  The funeral was Sunday, the 29th.  I fought tears as the pre-funeral music played and the songs the family asked for.  The family entered to "I Can Only Imagine", the congregation sang "Victory in Jesus", "Who Am I" was played, and the final song before the family left the church to go to the cemetery was "Roar" by Katy Perry.  Kash was such a fighter.  Someone put together this video for the family and I had to show you just what the definition of a fighter is.  Please click here and watch....be sure to have some Kleenex handy.  Kruze, her twin sister, is doing well.  She is weighing in at almost 5 pounds, in a regular crib, and precious.  Please keep this precious little family in your prayers.

 

Emma of Aurora

About The Book:  Emma of Aurora is a historically accurate account of one woman's life in a communal religious colony of the 1850s. In her trademark lyrical style, Kirkpatrick weaves historical details into her story line, peopling it with complex characters and deftly conveying powerful insights on the nature of faith, community, and the human spirit.The story acts as a witness to the devastation of suppression while celebrating change and cherishing the faith and hope found in ordinary women's lives.  The Change and Cherish trilogy, based on the true story of Emma Wagner Giesy, now available in one volume:
A Clearing in the Wild
When Emma’s outspoken ways and growing skepticism lead to a clash with the 1850s Bethel, Missouri colony’s beloved leader, she finds new opportunities to pursue her dreams of independence. But as she clears a pathway West to her truest and deepest self, she discovers something she never expected: a yearning for the warm embrace of community.
A Tendering in the Storm
Determined to raise her children on her own terms, Emma suddenly finds herself alone and pregnant with her third child, struggling to keep her family secure in the remote coastal forest of the Washington Territory. As clouds of despair close in, she must decide whether to continue in her own waning strength or to humble herself and accept help from the very people she once so eagerly left behind.
A Mending at the Edge
As a mother, daughter, sister, and estranged wife, Emma struggles to find her place inside—and outside—the confines of her religious community. Emma reaches out to others on the fringe, searching for healing and purpose. By blending her unique talents with service to others, she creates renewed hope as she weaves together the threads of family, friends, and faith.
About The Author:  After 26 years living on Starvation Lane on a remote ranch in Oregon, Jane Kirkpatrick and her husband, Jerry, moved back to Bend, Oregon. Before writing, Jane worked as therapist, a licensed social worker, a mental health director and consultant for nearly 20 years. She is the author of seventeen historical novels. Her works have been finalists for the Christy, Spur, Oregon Book Award, WILLA Literary Award and Reader's Choice awards.

My Thoughts On The Book:  With all three stories are in one large volume it was a rather intimidating read at over 1,100 pages. I liked the fact that all three stories were together and you did not have to wait for the next installment to be released.  I did not like the fact that is was so large.  The research of the author, Jane Kirkpatrick was well done. I really loved how she finished the entire book with information about the "real" people and Aurora Colony.  It made the story come to life.  If you are looking for a love story this is not it.  This is a story about a woman with the grit to survive in a time and place when women were not self sufficient. If you love historical novels then this is for you.  It is not an easy read and you cannot sit down and read it in one sitting.  It took me over a week to finally finish the story.  I was neither hooked, nor drawn to this story, but like historical novels so I attracted to the historical facts. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah and their Blogging for Books program. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*  Thank you for allowing me to participate in this review.

2014 First Hodge Podge of the Year

So Long 2013, Hello Hodgepodge!

Happy New Year!  There's no party like a Hodgepodge party! Add the link to your answers and then be sure to go mingle with the other guests...10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1-Happy Hodgepodge!  Copy the questions, answer them, and then hurry over and link up with Joyce by clicking here.

1. Times Square is the setting for the infamous ball drop signaling the start of a brand new year....when did you last 'drop the ball' on something?
I am the queen of dropping the ball.  I was going to make a cake for my lunch bunch the last week of school before Christmas break, got out all the ingredients, and realized the I was missing the key ingredient.  It was 10:00 and I certainly was not going to run to Walmart.  I will have to make it for them in 2014.
 2. What is one thing you resolved to do in 2013 that you actually did?
Make time for family and friends.

 3. Jack London is quoted as saying, "You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club." Agree or disagree? Why?
When I am inspired I seem to get the inspiration for something I was not expecting at all.  I have never really gone out and pursued it with a club.  I am thinking that that it does not sound like a bad idea when inspiration is totally lacking to grab a club and go hunting. 

 4. What was the best thing you ate in 2013?
Fresh seafood in Florida.

 5. Share an anti-resolution...that is, something you plan to keep on doing in the new year?
Decluttering my house and getting rid of the clutter at my mom's.  I dropped this ball too in 2013.
 6. The Pantone color of the year for 2014 is radiant orchid. I love orchids the flower....not so much the color.  It might find it's way to my closet as an accessory piece, and you won't find it in my house. 
eh...not really.  

7. In three words or less, sum up your 2013.
It Is Well

 8.  Insert your own random thought here.  Did you know that Auld Lang Syne (The Good Old Days) is a song traditionally sung at midnight when horns are blown, confetti is thrown, and a general party atmosphere is created to ring in the New Year with happiness and hope for a bright and prosperous year. The outgoing year is often represented by an elderly man known as Father Time and the new year is represented by a baby known as Baby New Year. Robert Burns wrote the lyrics to Auld Lang Syne in the 1700's.   Auld Lang Syne
Robert Burns Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and days of auld lang syne? For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne

Happy New Year!

 

My Words of Wisdom for 2014

I sat down this morning to write my first post for 2014 and I wanted to write something deep and thought provoking about the new year, but as I sat here I kept coming back to simple thoughts.  The thoughts I came up with were that I needed to do more for others, smile at everyone I see, don't let my troubles get in my way, laugh more, sing more, assume nothing, learn something new everyday, take better care of myself and those I love, write more, read more, spend time with family and friends.  I began my new year this way with a wonderful lunch of the Porch People at Sherry and Keith's house.  We all gathered....Tula, Billy Ray, Mike, Sherry, Keith, Celia, Chris, Jess, Steven, us, Marcie, Magen, Keaton, Jett,  Glenda, and Sandra, said grace, and enjoyed a traditional southern New Years lunch of black eyed peas, turnips, roast, chicken, and a whole lot more.  It is a good thing I did not make that "I am going to lose weight" resolution because it would not have happened today.  Of course football was on and about 3:30 I developed the worst headache I had had in a while and was feeling a little testy.  It was time for me to go so I could get home, take some aspirin, and take a quick nap.  I also want to achieve a few more things like loving my job like I did in the beginning, ridding myself of clutter, and most importantly spending time embracing the Word of God.  I don't make resolutions as a habit and this year I am not making them either, I am going to practice what I preach and attempt to live 2014 to the fullest.  No regrets!  I ended up 2013 realizing again that life is fragile.  At the funeral the other night I hugged Kash's grandmother, Marcie and told her I loved her.  She said...."through thick and thin."  That is what I want this year....to give more of myself and expect less from others.  I hope each of you finds what you are looking for in 2014.  Happy New Year - and may this be the best year of your life!!  Remember today is the first page of your 365 page life story.  Write it well my friend, write it well.