Friday, December 26, 2008

Treasures to Ponder

When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.- Luke 2:17-19

When the Christmas Day came to a close last night I decided to read once again the story of the most wonderful gift this world was ever given. I got dressed in my new comfy pajamas that I received and snuggled into bed with my bible and turned to the pages of Luke Chapter 2. There I found something that I do not remember reading before. Maybe it is because I feel like I have heard this story so many times before. I don't know but what I do know that last night...the night of the day we celebrate our Saviors birth I found something that brought a new light to the wonderful story of Christmas. The shepherds had come to see the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying there in a manger. They were so excited to tell Mary and Joseph what they had seen and heard from the angels in the field. Everyone was excited of the news. Then I came across was Mary did at this time.

Of course I could just be reading into this too much.. Have you ever been in the midst of chaos? Take for instance a holiday party or picnic...people all around...conversations and stories buzzing all around. So much going on that you just cannot focus on a task at hand. Have you ever been in the midst of chaos and then stopped, stepped back and tried took everything in like a camera trying to capture a picture? This is how I pictured Mary last night in the scripture that I read. All this excitement going on all around her and the baby and then her taking a step back and taking it all in. Treasuring up all these things so that she can savor every moment, every emotion and every expression on the face of her husband, her guests and most of all her precious baby.

We should want to live the same way. Taking each moment in like a breath of fresh air. Trying to breath in Jesus the way Mary did on this starry night. She didn't want to miss a thing and you know what? Neither do I........

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Life with Bailee and Boo




Meet Bailee and Boo. Please note their apparent calm, obedient demeanor. Remember...some things aren't always what they seem.

It all started about 8 years ago. Hubby and I moved into our house and immediately hubby thought we needed to get a cat. He insisted that we needed one to help chase mice that may come in from the field that borders our property. Yeah..he really looks like a mouser doesn't he? We got Boo from a local shelter. He was already 3 years old. Truth be told...I was always more of a dog person than a cat person but Boo grew on me quickly. Three months later...enter in Bailee. Bailee was also adopted from a local shelter. She was 6 months old and full of herself and lots and lots of energy. Right from the start the two hit it off. That is of course right after Boo told Bailee that HE is the boss not her. Bailee took the news well.

Our first Christmas together as a family, I decided to be like those of our friends and family who actually have real children and decided to send Christmas cards to all our loved ones of our four legged children. The first year worked great. I got a pic of them together longingly staring out the window. Everyone loved it....and so the pressure was on for each year since. I have not come up with a pic I love more than that one...but I cannot send them the same one year after year. Well for the last 7 years hubby and I have ruined countless hours trying to get these two to cooperate with us. Some how they just know when it is Christmas card time and they purposely act like they have never liked each other before.



This was the closest I could get them to each other one year.....and dang nabbit Bailee has red-eye!

As you can see the next year was sooo much better.......However this is how they act with each other normally......







Anyway...after telling Boo to quit eating the tree, and after telling Bailee that she does not have to scold the cat for eating the tree....we have come up with a photo for our 2008 Christmas Card. I wanted to use the one at the top of the page, however.....Hubby says Bailee looks old and his Bailee is never getting old. So I settled for this one.......done at least until next year!.....

Kids.....they drive me nuts (but I couldn't live without 'em!)







Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Heathy Level of Insanity

Something fun to make you laugh....

Ways to Maintain a Healthy Level of Insanity

1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car with Sunglasses on and point a Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.

2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice.

3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, Ask If They Want Fries with that.

4. Put Your Garbage Can On Your Desk And Label It "In."

5. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks. Once Everyone Has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch to Espresso.

6. In The Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write "For Smuggling Diamonds"

7. Don t use any punctuation

8. As Often As Possible, Skip Rather Than Walk.

9. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat, with a serious face.

10. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is "To Go."

11. Sing Along At The Opera.

12. Go To A Poetry Recital And Ask Why The Poems Don't Rhyme

13. Put Mosquito Netting Around Your Work Area And Play tropical Sounds All Day.

14. Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party Because You're Not In The Mood.

15. Have Your Coworkers Address You By Your Wrestling Name,' Rock Bottom'.

16. When The Money Comes Out of The ATM, Scream "I Won!, I Won!"

17.. When Leaving The Zoo, Start Running Towards The Parking lot, Yelling "Run For Your Lives, They're Loose!!"

18. Tell Your Children Over Dinner. "Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go."

19. Visit a local clothing store and hide in the clothing rack. When someone comes by yell "OOO Pick Me...Pick Me!"

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

A Dickens of a Weekend



This weekend my husband and I had the pleasure of traveling with our good friends, Kaye and Eric (pictured left) to Wellsboro, PA for their Dickens of a Christmas. We had so much fun! Friday we drove up, rented a cabin in the nearby state park and were completely delighted to find that the accomodations were really outstanding!. The cabin was so clean and tidy. The Lord even blessed us with the gift of a blanket of snow to greet us with.

We went into the town of Wellsboro on Saturday morning. Everyone was decked out in their warm Dickens outfits. The streets were filled with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Street vendors were selling their handmade decorations and gifts, and of course lots and lots of food. This was a beautiful day of taking in all the sights and sounds of Christmas. I absolutely loved it! Sunday as we were packing up we had a beautiful snowfall that coated the trees and ground so beautiful and when we did pull out the lake had a pure white blanket of snow on it.






After visiting with our friends relatives we headed back home. Monday we were busy preparing a Christmas meal for 19 of the ladies from church. We ran around all morning trying to get everything set up but in the end it all came together so nice. Everyone had a great time and loved the food and fellowship. I must say this year more than any other year before I am so happy to be taking time with all my family, friends and loved ones. It is much nicer than freaking out looking for last minute shopping gifts!




Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Fun with Family

Last night dear hubby and I got to spend a really nice evening with his brother and wife and two children. It doesn't seem possible that it had been almost two years since we last saw them. They live in N.C. and we are up here in PA. They came up so that we could have an early Christmas together and I must say we really had a great time. Emily and Anna (our nieces) have grown up so fast...we almost didn't recognize them! They are 14 and 12 but they look more like 18 and 16.

We really felt blessed to be able to spend some time with them again. The older I get the more I reflect on how important family is. And that no matter how far apart we live...we are always and forever connected. This has just totally added to the giddyness that I feel during this holiday season. I love to get together with family and friends and to celebrate the true meaning of the holiday. So many years before we allowed ourselves to get caught up in the stressful, oh-my-gosh-lets-just-get-SOMETHING-for them mentality. Not this year...we took a step back and took everything down a notch....and we are so much more at peace for it too!

I pray that all my friends and family have a very stress free, peaceful Christmas- the way it was truly meant to be!

xo
julie

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Lost Without You

Did you ever have a song that sticks in your head and you can't get it out? That has been me the last several days. I love the feeling I get when I listen to a great worship song. Its much like the feeling one gets when they read a verse from the bible and something just clicks- you get it!

I came across a song by Priscilla Miller on a friends Myspace page and then I started to listen to some other songs by her. WOW! Her emotion really comes out in her songs and I came to work this morning belting out the song "Lost Without You". The words are so true- without Him I would be a total mess and lost in a world of darkness and despair. If you haven't had a chance to hear Priscilla I encourage you to look her up- I am sure that you will be glad that you did!

Lost Without You

The lame and the leper, I call them my brothers
The song of the downcast resounds in my ears
The orphaned and widowed are everything like me
The voice of the beggar is mine...and its clear....

I clearly know.....

I'd be lost without You, Jesus
I've no hope without You Lord
And I'm not ashamed to make it plain
That I'm a desperate soul
'Cause I'd be lost without You, Lord

I've sat at the table of those who've had nothing
I've stood in the midst of the hurting and scorned
I've walked on the path of the truly unworthy
I know what it is to be tired and alone
But you brought me home......

I'd be lost without You, Jesus
I've no hope without You Lord
And I'm not ashamed to make it plain
That I'm a desperate soul
'Cause I'd be lost without You, Lord

Worthy, worthy are you, Lord
Needy, needy am I, Lord
Worthy, worthy are You Lord
Desperate, desperate am I, Lord

Its nice to know that I am found...... :)

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

True Worship

God has commanded us to worship Him. Worship is not determined by atmosphere, style of music or emotion. It comes from a heart that beats to tell God, "You Oh Lord, are worthy" -Lori Poppinga

This quote comes from my November P31 magazine. I must say it caught my eye immediately and I have been reflecting on these words for the past few days. I desire this type of worship in my life. To find the beat that God has placed inside of me, the beat that can only be satisfied by Jesus. Daily life can seem so out of control at times but I know that He desires to give me a peace that surpasses all understanding. No fear, no doubt...just me and my Savior taking each moment as it comes.

Thank you, Lord for the peace you give, for the fear you erase and the love that you hold me with. You Lord, and only you are worthy of my praise!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Crazy Lazy

Today I would like to be just like the guy at the top of this page. Crazy Lazy.....I love days like that. Especially if I am able to breathe in the sea air. I missed my time at the beach this year. Hubby and I didn't make it this year. But we did make it to the mountains. I love the camping trips too. I love being anywhere where I can reflect on the beautiful wonderous works of God. We went to Locust Lake last weekend and the leaves were absolutly breath-taking. I took some pics that I will have to post later but I am sure that the photos will not bring the sights we saw justice. He (God) never ever fails to amaze me when I am least expecting it. I got up early last Saturday and decided to take a walk with God and my ipod. While listening to some great praise and worship songs I came upon a most captivating sight. The bright colors of the mountains reflecting in the lake as a light mist rose from the water. I was wishing that I had my camera with me but didn't want to go back for it because I didn't want to miss anything. I just stood there in awe listening to words of the song.....

"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound;
amazing love, now flowing down from hands and feet
that were nailed to the tree as grace flows down and covers me."

It covers me, it covers me, it covers me, and covers me.

I love the words to this song. So simple, so true. His grace is amazing. When I look at the guy at the top of the page I think I should be that comfortable, and that relaxed in my own skin because no matter what is going on around me.....His grace flows down and covers me.

So, since I can't physically be out laying on a rock, smelling the sea air while connecting to my heavenly Father...I will be in my mind.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Restless Hearts

So, I have taken on the challenge of getting a study group together for the young adults in our church. It seems that after youth group there is no where for them to go and since my hubby and I work with the youth we feel like there should be something for them so they don't get lost in the shuffle.

After doing some research I found a study titled "Restless Hearts" . It begins with a profound quote from St. Augustine...."For you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you." I absolutly love that...probably because I find it to be so true. We are very restless until we find our rest in Him. I am looking forward to jumping into this study with these great young adults and am anxious to see where this study takes all of us. I am sure that I will be blogging more about it soon!

In the meantime, we are going on our last camping trip of the season this weekend. I am looking forward to spending time with God in his beautiful masterpiece. I love fall and am anxious to go but there is also a sadness that accompanies it. The end of the camping for this year... :(. But I really look forward to the other adventures we will be embarking on come winter. Its funny..there really is a season and a time for everything.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Caterpillar or Butterfly?

I came across a very interesting quote while surfing around today.... it said:

"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a beautiful butterfly."

I love it. Just when we are at the end of our ropes, something waits for us just beyond the horizon that moves us to bigger and better things. More beautiful things. What a comforting reminder that just when we are at the end of our earthly journey a beautiful heaven awaits us. In the midst of my day to day activities I seem to forget that. I allow myself to get caught up and worried about what may lie ahead for me and my family. I know that is not how God wants me to live my life and I strive to leave my anxious and worrisome mind behind me but sometimes life gets the best of me. Instead I want to get the best out of life. I am slowly progressing but much like a caterpillar I am in a stage....sooner or later I will get there- lol.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Gods Wonderful Masterpiece

Its been a while since I had a date with God and the camera. But on Monday I decided to stop on the way home and photograph my sunny "Good Morning" that God sends me each day on my way to work. He always seems to do that each morning. If its not the widlflowers in the spring and early summer its the sunflowers in August. Sometimes its that cute little donkey that stands on top of the stone pile, flexing his muscles to all the big horses that surround him.

When I stand back and look for Him around me, I become amazed at how he shows Himself to me in just the little things that surround me. How often have I passed Him by without realizing it?
I am reminded of a quote by Frank Bianco that says:

"If you begin to live life looking for the God that is all around you, every moment becomes a prayer."

What a wonderful way to look at the simplicity of life. The thought of living each moment like this brings a calm and peaceful feeling to my soul. Each day provides a new opportunity, a new lesson learned, and a closer relationship to my Creator.

Thank you , Lord, for giving me these little reminders that you are with me always. You are never far from me and I have nothing to fear. Thank you for being my all in all.



Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Random Thoughts

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about what happens to you." 1 Peter 5:7

At times I feel as if I am constantly having to remind myself of these words. Why is it so easy to let my mind fill with thoughts of fear, anxiety and worry? I feel as if I am in a battle. Positive vs. negative. Good vs. evil. Its so easy to allow these negative thoughts invade my mind and yet it is so hard to drive the positive thoughts in. I know that my Heavenly Father wants me to have a full abundant life- His word tells me so. That is why I push on...I push forward and I keep reminding myself of His truth. His truth will set me free. Its not about how I feel- its about what I know. I know he loves me. I know he wants good things for me. i know that he will never leave me or forsake me. I will set my feet upon him (the Rock).

Please excuse my ramblings...sometimes I just need to get it all out so that I can clear my mind of what clouds it. Then the sun will shine again.

I am looking forward to this evening ( I pray it does not storm!) A few of the women from the church are meeting after work to visit a prayer labryinth that a local woman made. I feel like I need this much needed alone time with God. I know I can be with Him anywhere but there is just something about having a focus tool in front of you to get your mind centered and focused on what it should be. I pray that he will bless our time together.