Happy New Year...Welcome 2009

I don't know about you, but I gladly welcome 2009. This year has been a year of complete ups and downs. But, I have to fill all of you in on a miracle just in time for the New Year. For those of you who have been praying for Lirio, Thank you. She is healed. I found out today that she has been released from the hospital. Right now she is in a neurological rehab dealing with quite a bit of pain, but getting better each day. I am so amazed at the awesomeness (is that even a word?) of God. Here is a girl that was shot in the face and lost brain matter just a few weeks ago and now is able to talk, text, and move around. God is still in the business of doing miracles. What a way to break in the New Year!

So what are you doing tonight? Me, I'll be in bed by 9:30 P.M. Exciting stuff here I tell ya. But here is to the New Year and new opportunities. Cheers!

P.S. By the way, here is my new haircut. Hope you like it!

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

And Merry Christmas to all. Today was peaceful and full of joy, just as every Christmas should be. Here are a few pictures from my day. I hope everyone had a great day filled with as much peace and joy as I did.

What Is On Your Heart Tonight?

It happens to all of us. We get so wrapped up in the gifts, parties, decorations, etc., etc., etc. that we get our focus off of what is really important. Sometimes its even the church traditions that can get in the way.

Tonight I went to Midnight Mass with the Sawyer Family. This is something I've always wanted to do. Since I can remember I've loved the idea of spending Christmas Eve(ning) participating in Catholic Mass. Not being Catholic I really have never known how Midnight Mass works. Apparently Midnight Mass isn't REALLY at midnight. A few years back I decided I was going to go and showed up at the church around midnight. Needless to say I was the only one in the parking lot. Can you say embarrassed? Confused? Disappointed?

But tonight it wasn't the words or the music or the communion that made the night special. It was the incredible reminder that Jesus became the Light in a dark world. There is nothing that we could ever do to bring light into the world, but God loved us so much that He gave us that Light. And with that Light, He bridged the gap that sin created so we could have open communion. We can approach our Father's throne boldly and at any time.

So tonight, my heart is forever grateful and thankful for the birth of Jesus, my Saviour.

What is on your heart tonight?

Christmas Time Is Here, Happiness and Cheer

Isn't it funny how you can meet some of the greatest people when you least expect it? This weekend I had a little Christmas "get together". I invited a few co-workers and friends. Unfortunately not too many showed, but fortunately the ones that counted did. In that group of friends, I invited a friend from my Chemistry class. I've never met her. We only chatted online (since Chemistry was an online course). This person that helped me get through the semester with an 'A' had to be at least decent. I figured inviting her and her husband could show a bit of gratitude for all her help. But she wasn't decent.....she was so much more. She and her husband were two very down to earth people that I instantly connected with. We laughed about anything and everything from ADHD drugs (Cash, let me know how they work!) to finger cots (hope they fit) to human skulls (you really had to be there) to the champagne of beers (as if I would know anything about that). Afterwards I told her my best friend and I rarely got out because we like to surround ourselves with people that are full of joy and love to laugh, but most people disappoint us because they just aren't as funny as us! She said they felt the same way.

God really does bless us when we least expect it, but probably when we need it the most. I'm not saying that I've felt down and out (quite the opposite for a change). And really I wouldn't say that I need it (although I'm ready for any blessing God sees fit for me!). But God knows things we don't.

Here are a few pictures from the party. I didn't take very many because I was too busy laughing!

This is Julie's Trainer....

I'm a bit jealous!

Please Pray Immediately....

A family needs your prayers tonight.

My friend's brother is in the military and recently came back from Iraq. Last week his wife asked him to clean up a mess that their puppy made and spank him. He then beat the puppy to death and ripped him to pieces with his hands. Obviously something is wrong with this young man. Its sad enough that our troops have to see the things they have to see in Iraq, but even worse that they don't receive any help when they get back.

Last week his wife served him with divorce papers. This week he shot his wife (her name is Lidio) in the head. Lidio is holding on. She is in critical condition, but her body is still strong. When she comes to, she wakes up fighting. She has lost some brain matter, but we are believing God for a miracle. Lidio's mother is believing God for a miracle. We are standing on the promise of God that if you honor your father and your mother (which Lidio has) your days will be long.

God IS still in the business of doing miracles, we just have to give Him the chance. WE ARE BELIEVING! Please PRAY!

Looking for a Fire to Add to Your Christmas?

Today, as I was reading Jane Green's Blog, I was reminded of the wonderful holiday event that happened when I was in the fifth grade.

My uncle has been known to build the largest, warmest fires there are. So much so one year (a few days before Christmas no doubt) we were having a family Christmas party. So my uncle goes down to the entertainment room where the fireplace is and starts a fire. A few hours later our house went up in smoke. Yes…it burned down. LOL It’s funny now, but trust me it was not then. We can’t blame the house burning down solely on him (there was a crack in the fireplace we were unaware of), but it makes the story more interesting that way! Poor Uncle James Ray. He'll forever be blamed for burning our house down.

It's Official....

I'm done with classes this semester. I didn't do as well as I would have hoped on all my Chemistry assignments, but I did walk away with an "A". (I know, what was I crying about then?) I can only credit that to the extra credit that was given to us, otherwise I would have made "B".

So now I can rest and enjoy the Christmas season by indulging in the Polar Express around the clock. It has to be the greatest Christmas movie. I know it's not a classic, but the book has been my favorite since elementary school. When I heard there was going to be a Polar Express movie I was more than thrilled, but also nervous that they would ruin the entire thing for me. But alas, Tom Hanks works his brilliant magic and makes everything wonderful.

Children around the world (including my nephew and niece) start watching this movie around the clock around the beginning of November. It takes mad skills to keep a child captivated for that long. And though I consider myself an old soul, the child inside cannot resist the telling of this Polar Express story.