A Turning Point - 2013

Today – I am stepping across the line. I’m tired of waffling and I’m finished with wavering.  I’ve made my choice, the verdict is in and my direction is irrevocable. I’m going God’s way. There is no turning back now!

 I will live the rest of my life serving God’s purpose with God’s people on God’s planet for God’s Glory. I will use my life to celebrate His presence, cultivate His character, participate in His family, demonstrate His love, and communicate His word.   

Since my past has been forgiven and I have a purpose for living and a home awaiting in heaven. I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying. Instead, I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of His family. 

Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, “we” over “me”, character over comfort, service over status, and people over possession, position and pleasures. I know what matters most and I’ll give it all I’ve got. I’ll do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today.  

I won’t be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation or intimidated by the devil. I’ll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running with me. When times get tough, and I get tired, I won’t back up, back off, back down, back out or backslide. I’ll just keep moving forward by God’s grace. I’m Spirit-led, purpose-driven and mission focused so I cannot be bought. I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race.   

I’m a trophy of God’s amazing grace so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for every day, and generous with everything that God entrusts to me.  

To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say: However, Whenever, Wherever and Whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is Yes! Wherever you lead and whatever the cost, I’m ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway. Whatever it takes Lord – Whatever it takes! I want to be used by you in such a way that on that final day I’ll hear you say, “Well done, thou good and faithful one. Come on in, and let the eternal party begin!” 

Bill Burch

The “Plus+Factor” Connection

Last Sunday of 2012

2012 thoughts to take into 2013:

1.  What if God's closeness in my life depends on the depth of my closeness to Him?

2.  What if God's constant "connectness" to me is based upon my connectedness to Him?

3.  What if the reality of God's Word at work in my life depends upon the amount of time (and frequency of times) I spend reading God's Word?

4.  What if my ability to "hear" God depends on the amount of stillness I create in my life to actually listen for Him, along with my level of expectation to actually sense Him speaking to me?

5.  What if . . . (you fill in the blank with your own desires for your relationship with God).

Specific Requirements for a Meaningful Relationship

with God:

 

1.  Priority - spending time with God (unhindered fellowship with God)

     Is this too difficult for you?

 

2.  Stillness - quiet, undistracted, focused totally upon God (leads to closeness with Him)  Is this too uncomfortable for you?

 

3.  Connection - with the "Vine" (promotes spiritual nourishment for strength and vibrancy)  Is this too confining for you?

 

Evidence of Genuine Faith:  Make it all Match! 

 

1.  Living out what you tell others about your faith in God

 

2.  Living out what you say you believe about having faith in God

 

3.  Living out what you desire in a genuine, meaningful relationship with God. 

 

Two More Thoughts:

 

1.  What if the "rapture" happens in 2013?

 

2.  What if going to Heaven depends up on your relationship with God?  Are you ready to go?

What If?

What you see is what you get!

 

 While some see a “fiscal cliff” with gloom and doom,

I see an interesting adventure ahead!

 

While some see failure in our government,

I see an opportunity for change!

 

While some see disappointment in our current leadership,

I see a new appointment with God Almighty!

 

While some say, “There is no hope!”,

I say, “With God all things are possible!”

 

While some see only despair and darkness,

I see a light at the end of the tunnel!

 

While some see “the end of the road”,

I see a bright new beginning!



Immanuel--God With Us

T'was the day after Christmas and all was at rest.

Yet; the winds were a-howling and doing their best

to disturb peace and quiet, giving calm a test! 

Despite all the fierceness of that noisy racket,

just outside the door lay a beautiful, white blanket.

It covered the landscape and warmed my whole mindset.

For it represented my anticipation

of Christmas day and the happy celebration,

for the busy season was now in full completion!

But then, what in my pondering mind should appear—

the reason for the snow on Christmas day became clear—

it represented joy in the message that we hear.

The name of the Babe is Immanuel—God with us!

He surrounds us, covers us, we call Him Jesus—

for He’s the One who came from Heaven at Christmas!

The reason for the season is what we proclaim,

but where is the true joy and the peace in the same?

Have we forgotten what’s so good about His name?

He came to bring peace and joy to all who believe,

and fill our hearts with His love if we’ll just receive.

He came to be with us, and He never will leave!

If we’ll only trust Him and invite Him inside,

His love will stay with us; in our hearts He’ll abide.

Not only that, but under His wings we can hide!

He offers salvation and cleansing from all sin.

His presence stays beside us, for He lives within!

His power can fill us, and our battles He’ll win!

Like new fallen snow, we are renewed day by day,

Our lives take on new freshness when to Him we pray.

His joy, His peace, and His love are in us to stay! 

His love is the reason for joy in the season.

His peace can remain while all around us is pain.

His presence stays the same, for Immanuel is His name!

Happy Birthday, Dear Jesus!

Guess Santa knows . . .

...Oh, just see what a glorious fill...

Guess Santa must know the importance of reading the Bible and smellin' good!

Guess Santa must also know that a bunny-lover needs to keep her feet snuggly warm!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!

Choose Now!

Be joyful; be glad;

rejoice as you dream!

New hope can be had,

and new light can gleam!

 

Refresh and renew;

Fill up with what’s best!

Keep only what’s good,

and discard the rest!

 

Expect all things new!

Decide now to choose

what brings growth to you,

and what God can use!

 

A happy new year

is my wish for you!

May those you hold dear

see Jesus in you!

Choose to love the Lord your God, and to obey Him and commit yourself to Him, for He is your life!  (Deuteronomy 30:20 (a)

What a Day That Shall Be

This old hymn was one that my dad requested my sisters and me to sing at my mom's hospital bed immediately after she went home to be with Jesus, on December 7, 2003. I just happened to run across it today. It blessed me and touched my heart so tenderly that I just had to share it.



Today, on Tuesday, December 18, I made an amazing discovery:  Click on the video, and then immediately stop it by clicking on the stop button (2 small straight bars at the bottom left of the video).  Then, using the control bar at the bottom of this YouTube picture, scroll over slowly to the first picture of a group of people, and look at the center back (between the two men dressed in suits in the top row) of the picture there.  If your picture looks blury at that point, move the control button just a slight bit, and it will clear up some.  Do you see what I just saw?  If so, let me know.  And, if you see what I can see, I hope you will figure out an explanation for it!

 

Abortion Dialog

N:  ...Mitt Romney..he is against women's rights.. he is against abortions even if someone has been raped...no, not all abortions are proper, but if someone is raped, or if the mother might die...is that not up to the parents...? If a mother dies, what kind of life would a child have or the other children?

A:  I understand it is easy to feel bad for someone who has been raped, but sometimes an abortion will put more emotional damage on the person from killing a baby that it will cause more harm than having the baby and giving it up for adoption. And here is something else that I have read.

A:   If a rescuer is venturing into a burning vehicle to try to save its injured occupants, and is only able to save one of the two occupants, is it justifiable for him to then take out his gun and shoot the occupant he was unable to save? Of course not! Intentionally killing those you were not able to save is never justified in health care. We have the technology and expertise to provide quality health care to a pregnant woman without intentionally killing her unborn baby, regardless of the severity of her disease.

I have great compassion with those who have to make those decisions, because my cousin passed away from breast cancer, and bone caner. She was pregnant, she made the decision to not do chemo till later in her pregnancy. She lost her life but did save the life of her baby. She may have died either way, only God knows. But it was very sad. If my child were about to get hit by a car, I would run out in front of the car to save my child, even knowing it would take my life, and take me away from my other children. I would hope I would never have to make a choice like that. Not easy! May God be with everyone that is in that type of a situation. God is a loving and merciful God and will be there for anyone who has maybe made the wrong decision, and to help them get through it. Love you N, just some thoughts..........

J:  My son and daughter-in-law are finally able to have a baby of their own because a girl made the choice not to abort.  She made the ultimate sacrifice of her own happiness in order to give life to her daughter, and to give her baby to a couple who were unable to have children.
Praise be to God for this wonderful gift!

 D:  Abortion kills children who have a right to life. There are too many women and young girls out there having a gay ole time messing around without knowing they need to deal with what happens if they become pregnant. There are so many families that can't have children and are heart broken and in tears for some. Our good Lord tells us in his Word that sexual intercourse belongs with a married man and woman. I love you, N, very much.

E:  I know the sweetest child whose mother was the victim of rape. Would you deny that child life?? I can only imagine the trauma a woman would go thru being raped...but many times giving birth to the child...and if one chooses..giving that child to a family wishing for a child...actually helps the mother mend, whereas having an abortion just places more trauma on top of trauma. I do have some life experience to relate to this, believe me...I choose life unless it is endangering the mother's health. This is definitely not a black and white issue and I feel Romney is saying just that.

J:  N, I must respectfully disagree on this "right to choose" issue. Abortion kills, and no one (especially a mother) should have a right to choose to do that--especially to a child--a child who is also a human being just as much as an adult is a human being. What about the child's right to life? Do we not all have the same human rights to life, liberty and happiness? Life begins at conception. Does the human right to life begin only at a certain age? What age would that be if we decide that the human right to life begins only at a certain age? And if the human right to life begins at some pre-decided age, then wouldn't we have the same "right to choose" whether any other person gets the right to life?--at any age right up to that certain age of life?

The problem began when we chose to reject what God said--He says that He knew us before we were born. Can we know someone before that person is born, if that person is not a human being? Think on that for a moment:  God knew us even before we were born!  He says that He saw us being knit together in our mother's womb, and He saw all of our days before even one of them came to be! This is the truth of God's Word, and that is what Romney believes in and is willing to take a stand for--despite being criticized for it.

E:  Exactly when did Romney say he was "against women's rights?" N, I believe you are listening to others instead of what Romney is really saying.

 
J:  Romney is simply against murder. He is for the God-given rights of any human being, including babies, whether born or unborn!  Babies have life and breath even inside the womb. They eat and sleep and kick inside their mother's womb. Being inside the womb does not make them any less human than those outside the womb. Did you know that a child who died inside the womb will be seen and known in heaven someday? What a sad realization for all those children who were killed by their mothers before they were born.

Is it Any Wonder?

Is it any wonder that you are just who you are?

Is it any wonder that you’ve only come this far?

Is it any wonder why you live just where you live?

Is it any wonder why you give just what you give?

Is it any wonder why you like the things you like?

Is it any wonder why your psych became your psych?

Is it any wonder why you do the things you do?

Is it any wonder that you haven’t got a clue?

Is it any wonder why you say the things you say?

Is it any wonder why your life turned out this way?

Is it any wonder that your life turned out to be

a blend of all you chose with what you didn’t foresee.

Isn’t it amazing when you ponder all of this?

Perhaps your own decisions may determine what you miss.

Why Not Move Along in Your Journey?

Just Move On

Do you dwell on disappointments while playing in the snow?

Do you fixate on the places to which you cannot go?

 

Do you see yourself forsaken when looking in the mirror?

Do you view your life from far away instead of drawing nearer?

 

Do you see your own reflection but don’t like what you see?

Do you rue what might have been if you hadn’t climbed that tree?

 

Do you wonder who you were before you fell so hard?

Do you always feel you're broken, but can't find any shard?

 

Do you fix your mind on sadness, and mostly feel just pain?

Do you grieve for all you’ve lost while walking in the rain?

 

Do you think you made a big mistake and wonder why you failed?

Would you want to live life over if your coffin wasn’t nailed?

 

Can you think of nothing better than to sleep away your gloom?

Do you wonder where you’re going, but feel locked inside a tomb?

 

If you could re-think your choices and start your life anew,

what changes would you choose to make before your life is through?

 

Why not put out all your effort to find the hidden key?

Why not leave the door wide open and set the captive free?

 

It’s time to start to live again and leave what’s bad behind,

for all that is required of you is just a change of mind.

 

So why not choose new happiness to face a brand new day?

Grab a new smile for your journey and move along your way.

Soul Satisfaction

The soul finds its fullest contentment

in life’s most startling hue;

when the glorious love of Jesus

is living inside of you!

 

It will not be seen through cloudless skies

in various shades of blue;

nor will it be seen in grassy green,

with sparkle of morning dew.

 

It isn’t found in crystal clear drops

as life-giving rain pours through,

nor in the pallet of the rainbow,

though all it’s colors seem new.

 

It wasn’t found in gathering clouds

being whipped by winds that blew;

nor was it found in the stormy skies

when silvery lightning flew.

It wasn’t felt in the pouring rain

as the gray clouds filtered through;

nor was it felt in the dampened air,

of the misty fog it drew. 

 

It couldn’t be seen in the sunshine,

as it’s blinding brilliance grew;

nor could it be seen in the sunset,

with it’s rosy, golden hue.

 

It isn’t found in fading twilight,

as twinkling stars come in view;

nor is it found in the moonlight’s glow,

giving light all the night through.

 

No, the soul finds small satisfaction

in things that please only you,

for the things we like change too often;

we always want something new.

But, the soul that finally finds Jesus,

finds a friend that’s tried and true;

and the soul that is filled with Jesus

finds that He makes all things new.

Finding Joy in the Journey

Joy in the Journey

 

Catch a sunbeam

Spot a rainbow

Follow a dream

Search high and low.

 

Sing a new song

Make a new friend

Right an old wrong

Let sorrow end.

 

Wear a nice smile

Give away cheer

Chat for awhile

Bring others near.

 

Share from your cup

Give others hope

Never give up

Learn how to cope.

 

Hold on to love

Let go of pride

Seek God above

In Him abide.

Change

Some thoughts from Sunday's sermon:

1.  We need to take the next step in our journey of faith.

2.  We also need to take the first step across the line of change if we want to see change happen in our lives.  Change doesn't happen just because we desire it and hope it will happen.    We cannot keep on doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different outcome someday.  If we really desire a different outcome, we must do things differently than we have been doing them!

3.  Make right choices and do the right thing simply because you are totally committed to God.  If we actually work on change, God will change us!

Reasons why someone works on change:
A.  Someone knows enough to want to change.
B.  Someone finally hurts enough to have to change.

Reasons why someone doesn't work on change:
A.  Someone is unwilling to change.
B.  Someone is shallow in their thinking.
C.  Someone is too comfortable as is.
D.  Someone is too uncomfortable with change.

In the words of our Pastor:  I dare you!  I dare you to change!  I dare you to take the next step in your journey of faith!  I double-dog dare you!!

Looking Back

This morning I am sitting in bed looking back through this blog.  Normally I would be in church on Sunday morning, but I haven't been feeling well for the last few days, so I'm at home. 

It has been delightful to look back through my entire blog and reminisce a bit.  It's a bummer to see that many (perhaps most) of my pictures are gone.  That happened when my picture hosting program on the internet ceased to exist.  I received a warning that it was going to happen, but thought it didn't matter since my pictures are all stored in a file on my computer.  I didn't stop to think that a lot of pictures in my blog were transferred from that picture hosting program that I had used to edit my pictures before posting them here.  Oh well; it would take too much work and time to repost all of the missing pictures.

While looking back this morning, I came across a silly little limerick that I wrote several years ago--which I had forgotten all about, but I do remember writing it.  The funny thing is, according to the old blog post, I was sitting in bed with a cup of coffee (just like now) when I wrote it.  Here 's what I wrote on 9/27/2007:

"Where did this wee bit o' wit come from? I have absolutely no idea! I was just lounging in my bed, enjoying the cup of coffee my dear husband had brought to me, marveling at the lovely view out my bedroom windows (the full moon still visible in the marbled waves of the light morning sky), when all of sudden this silly rhyme began building itself, unbidden, yet determined to continue forming. Finally, it demanded that I get out of bed and transfer it from a short memory to a hard drive!"

Are ya bein' a twit?
Are ya throwin' a fit?
Are ya stuck in a snit?
Then get up 'n git!
Jump outta that pit!
Take a break for a bit.
Find a place ya can spit--
See whatcha can hit.
Rest yer mind while ya sit.
Determine ta quit
Squeezin' that zit!

 Have a joyful day, okay? 

Days of Summer

It's the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer again, and it's 107 degrees outside!

Lazy? Yes!

Hazy? Not really. I just checked and the sky is clear blue!

Crazy? Hmmmm...sometimes I wonder about this one. But then, I talk to others my age...and...they struggle with this question also! (Does putting my cup full of coffee in the pantry instead of in the microwave mean anything?)

I don't know if anyone else experiences this as frequently as we do, but it seems like the "crazies" in life keep multiplying like rabbits! It used to be that once in a great while one would have to put up with the occasional mistake that would show up on a bill or in some other business transaction. But, what used to be infrequent has become much more frequent, and it seems to be much more difficult to resolve than it used to be.

We also notice that when we make phone calls to get "mess-ups" straightened out, the "customer service" agent that we get on the line, seems to lack intelligence and common sense! Is this progress??? Is this the outcome of our current educational system at work???

Whatever happened to accuracy and intelligence and logic and common sense???

Aarrgghh...pardon me while I rant and rave for a moment.

Okay, now back to the lazy, hazy, CRAZY days of summer...

Praise

What does the word praise mean to you?  That question was asked in my Bible study lesson.  According to Lysa Terkeurst, in her book Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl, "Praise is the key that releases God's character back into even the ugliest of attitudes and darkest of situations." 

That statement intrigued me when I read it and I stopped to think about it.  It seemed to be a simple question with a obvious answer.  However, when I paused to give it more consideration, I realized my quick answer was either wrong or only partially right.  My first thought was, thanksgiving or thankfulness.  Of course, I was thinking spiritually!  When I am thanking God, I am praising Him, right?  What if I were praising another person?  Is it the same as thanking that person?  Probably not. 

To praise someone is to extol that person's virtues.  That said, I realized that if I am going to offer my praise to God, it will include extoling His virtues.  (Of course, that should include my thanksgiving for Him--who He is and what He does.)

If the above statement is true, "Praise is the key that releases God's character back into even the ugliest of attitudes and darkest of situations." , then it will be the acknowledgement of God's virtuous, perfect character that allows Him to take control of even the worst of circumstances, and enables me to yield myself to His control in any situation.

This morning, in my "quiet time" with God, in my regularly scheduled Bible reading, I read Psalm 36 and came upon a perfect example of praising God.  King David of old said to God: 

"Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.  Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the ocean depths.  You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.  How precious is your unfailing love, O God!  All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings.  You feed them from the abundance of your own house, letting them drink from your rivers of delight.  For You are the fountain of life, the light by which we see."

Psalm 36:59 New International Translation)

Now, that is praise to our God!     

The Road Less Taken

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

                                                                                           Robert Frost

I have always liked this poem.  This part of it was mentioned in the sermon at church this morning.  As I began thinking on that statement, I reminisced the “roads” I have taken in my life journey.

What difference has it made in my life to make the choices I made?  As I ponder this, I realize that I will never know.  So what’s the point? 

The point is that I have no regret about the “roads” I have chosen, and I am so thankful for that!  I have no doubt that God has led me and influenced the choices I’ve made, and that’s a wonderful realization! 

As we have moved from place to place along our journey, it has always been perfectly clear to us that God is/was directing us in our choices and decisions.  We have chosen to follow His leading, and that has made all the difference!

For me, the road less taken was the one I was uncertain about--the one I wasn't convinced I should take.  There is peace and contentent when the road chosen is the one God chose for me.

And, that has made all the difference.

Secret Treasure

She showed off her treasures,

so fragile and old.

Proudly she displayed them,

their value untold.

Covered only by dust,

in stillness they slept.

Their beauty now faded,      

their secret well-kept.

So gently she touched them,

as each one she wound.

Still figures came to life,

quiet became sound.

Awakened by music,

and dancing with glee,

Her treasures came alive,

their secret now free.

What secret do you hold,

kept quiet by you?

Protected as treasure,

well hidden from view.

Maybe you’ll meet someone

lacking joy today.

Would you share your secret,

to brighten life’s way?

As you release what’s yours,

your reward will be

Increase of your treasure,

secret joy set free.

In God We Still Trust

Finally Home

It's so good to be at home--our own home--finally!  After nearly two years of living in a rented house, we have finally settled into our own place--not fully unpacked yet, but settled and comfortable nonetheless.  We are hoping to call this new place home for at least four years, unless the Lord calls us HOME (our final home) first.

I am still spending two days a week at Day Spring Assisted Living, and enjoying it more than I can fully explain.  When I am there, I feel totally at home among friends.  There is a wonderful, God-filled atmosphere there that I have never experienced before.  I am accepted and loved and blessed beyond measure in the presence of residents and workers alike.  Although I am only a volunteer, I own my job and care for my "friends" as though they are my own family.  When I am not there, they wonder where I am, and when I'll be back.  (When I return they ask me, "Where have you been?")

Dallas, Texas is home--for now.  We both love it here.  Once again God has shown us that when we go where He leads us, our hearts will be "at home", even in a new place.  This life-long journey of traveling with God has been an incredible adventure that we wouldn't trade for the stability of staying in one place for life.  Someday our Heavenly Father will move us to our final HOME for all of eternity, but until then we are content to move around and experience all that He has for us here on earth.

Speaking of "moving around"--it's time for me get moving with the rest of my day!

Summer Already?

Temperatures in the low 70s (F), clear blue skies and bright sunshine = summertime, right?  So, I took full advantage of the opportunity for sunbathing by the pool, and loved it!  Now this is more like what we expected here in the wintertime.  Yes!

"You must subdue it!"

Currently I am reading the book of Genesis. Since Genesis is the first book in the Bible, and the account of the beginning of time, I figured it would be an appropriate place to start my Bible reading in this new year.

The first verse that has really stood out to me is Genesis 4:7:  "You will be accepted if you respond in the right way.  But if you refuse to respond correctly, then watch out!  Sin is waiting to attack and destroy, and you must subdue it."  (the New Living Translation)--especially this part:  "You must subdue it!" 

That says that it is up to me to take control of how I live my life--whether I choose to respond to hard things "correctly" (as pleases God) or "incorrectly" (as pleases me in the heat of the moment, but displeases God).  It says that if I respond incorrectly, "sin is waiting to attack and destroy."  Is that really what I want?  If that's not what I want, then I am responsible to subdue what comes "natural" to me (In Genesis 8:21 it says: "...people's thoughts and actions are bent toward evil from childhood."), and choose to please God rather than follow my own natural instincts.   That's really hard to do!

We begin life simply following our own natural instincts.  The role of parents is to train children to learn right from wrong, and to develop the habit of choosing to do right.  The life of a child is much more peaceful when he/she makes the right choices.  That fact of life never changes.  As adults we must continue to make right choices, responding correctly in the hard things--even when it doesn't come naturally! 

The start of a new year is a great time to start learning to do this.  It's not just a matter of asking God to help us, although that is a must.  It's also a matter of taking personal responsibility for our responses--a choice to make.  It's a matter of subduing (choosing to control) our natural instincts because God expects us to and empowers us to do that!

That is a worthy goal to aim for, and a great way to live!  Woohoo for a fresh new start and a clean slate to try again!

Remember:  every day is a new beginning!   

Happy New Year!

Wondering what 2012 will be like . . .

2011 was a very tough year for me--so glad that it's done!  However, we ended it well by going for a 7-mile walk along a nice trail in Dallas yesterday.  The weather was almost like summer, and the trail was busy with lots of people taking advantage of a beautiful day!

Today was spent, first at church, then taking down the tree and the house lights, putting away all of the Christmas decorations, and getting the house back in order.  Finally, to celebrate a job well-done, and to start the new year off in a great way, I enjoyed sitting outside by the pool, soaking up the sunshine and mild temperature.

I'm now done with cardiac rehabilitation, and I'm feeling fine--back to normal.  I will continue my cardiac exercise routine at home with treadmill, eliptical trainer, and hand weights. 

Larry will begin a new job on Tuesday, still working for FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation), but in a different department.  Just like his original job with FDIC, this new job is also a 2-year contract job with the possibility of being extended for an additional two years.  So, it looks like we will stay put here for another couple of years or more.

I am still working (volunteering) at the assisted living facility, two days a week, and still loving it!  Every day I spend there is such a blessing to me, and I consider the residents my friends and family.  It is so enjoyable to be with them, and know that they are filling up my heart just as I believe I am filling up their hearts.

So, as we enter this new year, I wish for you the joy and peace that comes from knowing Jesus intimately and letting Him fill up your heart and life.  May His blessings overwhelm you and bless you abundantly throughout 2012!