Friday, December 28, 2007

Happy Blogiversary

Can you believe it's been 3 years since I started this blog? December 29th, 2004 was my 25th wedding anniversary, and I celebrated by starting a blog. Can you say, "Writing on the wall." Yes, I have gone back and reread a few entries from the beginning, but it is a weird "out of body" experience where I cannot believe what has transpired over the last 3 years.

First and most startling, I am NOT celebrating my 28th wedding anniversary. My divorce was final in August. Did I see this coming? Not sure I thought 3 years ago that I had what it takes to leave this marriage. But I did. I moved to another city, got a new job, and lived alone, really alone, for the past 15 months.

Second, I went to Montana with a blog friend and visited the home of a blog friend in Montana and met another Montana blog friend. You know who you are. I would have never dreamed that could happen. I have forged friendships with people I didn't know 3 years ago as a result of this blog. I IM them and e-mail with them and learned from them, laugh with them, blush with them. (You know who you are.) I would love to meet some of you all this year.

And finally, I will be spending this New Year's Eve with the love of my life. I spent far too many Dec 29th's alone, lonely. Too many New Year's Eve not celebrating. And now I am head over heels in love and spending it with this wonderful man. How did I get so lucky? 2008 is going to be a wonderful year, and I am so excited to get it started. A toast to love. Join me in the happy dance.

Merry Christmas. Happy New Year. Thanks for coming along for the ride. It's been great meeting you and getting to know you.

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Tuesday, December 25, 2007

'Tis the Season...

glitter graphics

Glitter Christmas Graphics

Sunday, December 09, 2007

A Letter from Jesus

Or.... Oh my God, she did not just say that. Yes, it's true. I read e-mail and sometimes delete it and sometimes really ponder it. I rarely pass on things, other than a few good jokes, or endorse things or make you fill out meme's. That's not what this is. A dear friend sent this to me and it struck a chord with me in the holiday season. So, without preaching or ignoring the fact that we are pretending Jesus has a computer (I envision a really kickass system, don't you???), I am sharing this in my blog as an alternative to all the "Jesus Is the Reason" and holiday (rather than Christmas) concert crap. I think it's an interesting balance that's worth a read. Please don't comment if it pisses you off. It's just a different perspective from the guy with the kickass computer. RHE
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Dear Children,

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. Although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.

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 Santa's 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 George 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. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.

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

~Earthly Author Unknown~