Rejoice!

"We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God."
                                     (Romans 5:2)

Thank You, Lord, for:
*a good night's sleep
*ambrosia
*Little Darlin's new harness collar working well on our walk
*a beautiful sunny day
*a long rainy gray Christmas day
*driving Joseph back to Savannah
*time alone to wander in a bookstore
*JV, M, and B packing up to go
*looking at New Year's cards
*looking back and looking forward

With gratitude,
Sally

Merry Christmas

What is the gift I can give to You, Lord?

Be true.

Speak the truth in love.

Keep my commandments.

Love one another.

Please help me, Lord.

Thank You, Lord, for:
*early Christmas morning alone with You
*Christmas together
*giving and receiving
*Ben up first
*that I had gotten tickled too
*my dear Mama
*healthy children
*lighting the Christ candle
*Your Word
*gifts from the heart

With gratitude,
Sally

Joy!

Joy really is:
Jesus
Others
Yourself

Joy to the world the Lord is come!

Thank You, Lord, for:
*early morning Christmas Eve shoppers greeting with "Merry Christmas"
*finding just the right things
*preparing the feasts
*welcoming friends--old and new
*a houseful of kids and pets
*Sarah's great ginger cookies
*Sarah and Ben going with me to Savannah
*JV and Margaret helping Vic here
*Margaret having supper ready when we got homes
*Vic's reminders of Mama

With gratitude,
Sally

Lord of Peace

"May the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance.
The Lord be with you all!"
                                             Thessalonians 3:16

Thank You, Lord, for:
*morning coffee at the table at Tybee with Dad
*devotions on the upstairs swing
*a long walk on the beach two days before Christmas
*meeting Dad on his morning run
*Victor's pain easing enough for him to sleep
*our annual Christmas girls' lunch
*JV and Ben leaving a note
*JV Christmas shopping for the first time
*wrapping elves
*"Doodley-Poo"

With gratitude,
Sally

Mercies

"It is of the Lord's mercies
That we are not consumed,
because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning:
great is thy faithfulness.
The Lord is my portion, saith my soul;
therefore I will HOPE IN HIM."
                                          
                         Lamentations 3:22-24

O God,
Help me to hope in You alone.

Thank You, Lord, for:
*Daddy
*Dr. Miles and his peaceful, lovely office
*similar stories:  Dr. Miles and Dad
*low country boil at Christmas
*Lee watching the pot and watching the sunset at the same time
*Margaret helping Victor shop
*Sarah and Ben doing my big grocery shopping
*making fudge for Dad
*Joseph calling and coming
*no place to park at the Nettles' house

With gratitude,
Sally

Seeking Wisdom

James 1:5
"But if any of you lacks wisdom,
let him ask of God,
who gives to all generously
and without reproach,
and it will be given to him."

Without reproach!

Please forgive me, Lord, I'm in a predicament once again.
I need your wisdom.  Thank you for giving it generously
and without reproach.

Thank You, Lord, for:
*crab cakes
*Crabettes
*Lolly's kindness and warmth
*Elizabeth on 37th
*wonderful ladies
*sisters
*Katherine home from Spain
*Sarah home
*trusting You
*the dangling mirror fit back in its case and worked

With gratitude,
Sally

Thy Tender Care

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Thy tender care
and for being near me today.

Thank You, Lord, for:
*the locked-door trick
*headlights being easy to replace
*rejection being a computer malfunction
*Benjamin shopping with Mema
*Margaret shopping with me
*John Victor shopping with Sarah
*lots of elves
*an old-fashioned caroling party
*Andrew kindly helping me deliver Mema's car after delivering pizzas
*Alicia's sweet letter

With gratitude,
Sally

Stay Connected

". . . Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,
not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some,
but encouraging one another;
and all the more as you see the day drawing near."  (Hebrews 10:25)

One reason I love the holidays is that they
are a great opportunity to gather together with those we love
and to stay connected through a good visit
or even through a phone call wishing "A Merry Christmas"
or a Christmas card filled with precious pictures and warm words.

The days, months, and years slip by too fast.
How good it is to stay connected.

Thank You, Lord, for:
*timely blessings
*Little Darlin' in my lap
*Marty's Bella
*making Christmas plans to gather
*taping the Christmas cards around the kitchen door
*dear compassionate Ashley
*JV traveling to Atlanta with Vic
*Sarah and JV hanging out
*having wonderful elves to help me at Christmas
*a beautiful day

With gratitude,
Sally

O Holy Night

"Truly He taught us to love one another.
His law is love and His gospel is peace."

Fall on your knees!
Christ is born!

Thank You, Lord, for:
*Dr. Talton calling so kindly
*our cantata
*Leanne being there
*hearing Victor sing "O Holy Night"
*candlelight "Silent Night"
*David's story about the little lost kitty cat
*Patsy's apple cake
*Christmas fudge
*feeling angels all around us
*Paula checking my boots and painting Dave's toenails red

With gratitude,
Sally

Give and Be Blessed

"If you give, you will receive.
Your gift will return to you in full measure,
pressed down,
shaken together to make room for more,
and running over.
Whatever measure you use in giving--
large or small--
it will be used to measure
what is given back to you."  (Luke 6:38)

It is, truly, in the giving that we receive.

Thank You, Lord, for:
*Carolyn's coat of many colors
*Carolyn
*getting our home ready to share
*all the stories, "God stories," that are part of our home
*Margaret and Ben helping host
*JV hiding out in the upper room
*kind visitors
*our camellias blooming
*going to Retro after the tour
*time to just sit and talk with Victor in the parlor

With gratitude,
Sally

Focus

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.

Thank You, Lord, for:
*caring sisters
*oragel swabs
*Victor coming home
*bridesmaids luncheons
*sweet grandmothers
*creative children
*bonfires
*children who can drive
*lap dogs
*missions

With gratitude,
Sally

How Then Shall I Live?

Today I attended the funeral of an inspirational lady in our church.
She was only 53 years old.
I'm 51.

How am I living my life?
Am I living as if I'm ready to die?
What changes do I need to make now?
Before it's too late.

Thank You, Lord, for:
*things that make me stop and think
*a devotion this morning about hospitality
*"Surely the Presence of the Lord"
*the name of Jesus
*"I Can Only Imagine"
*down to earth preachers
*Sylvia sharing pictures and memorabilia from Miss Elizabeth
*Margaret and Benjamin decorating
*Andrew stopping by
*hugs

With gratitude,
Sally

I Can Only Imagine

Seems like so many special people have passed away in recent days.
Their lives inspire me to live life better, fuller.
Their deaths make my heart long for heaven.
I can only imagine what it will be like.

Thank You, Lord, for:
*those times when the Spirit speaks so clearly
*Mema's good report from the eye doctor
*serving with Fran and Mary Alice
*Margaret finishing the Christmas tree
*JV moving all those tables and chairs
*naps (someday)
*Victor's example
*singing
*evergreen sprigs
*Benjamin

With gratitude,
Sally

O Christmas Tree

Glory!

When I stand back and look at our Christmas tree,
that's what I think.  Glory!

Thank You, Lord, for:
*Victor's grandmother's star on top
*Margaret figuring out how to put new lights in it
*helping us attach it to the very top
*bows, bows, bows, going back to the first year we were married
*Benjamin climbing the ladder safely
*Margaret making a bed for Snowball under the tree
*Snowball settling in and purring up a storm
*finding the Christmas card pictures in the bottom of a box of ornaments
*remembering special friends who gave us favorite ornaments
*seeing the lights shining through the windows

With gratitude,
Sally

Together For Good

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God,
to those who are called according to His purpose."  (Romans 8:28)

Today was one of those working together for good days.
And I'm so glad.

Thank You, Lord, for:
*the buzzard hitting Victor's car
*Victor not being hurt
*fresh greenery
*everyone helping get the Christmas tree up--finally
*that Christmas tree smell
*serving supper to my Dad on Mama's Christmas china
*Victor's gifts
*Joyce bringing Mema to Margaret's recital
*Daddy driving over to hear Margaret sing
*Margaret driving her Granddaddy and me home

With gratitude,
Sally

No Golden Carriage

Margaret sang her Christmas solo this morning beautifully.
The words reminded me of all that
the King of Kings
gave up
when He came to be "God with us".

"No golden carriage,
no bright toy;
No snowy bunting
for one small boy;
No crimson roses,
no marble chair;
Only the starlight on shining hair.
No crystal palace,
no warm bed;
No downy pillow to grace your head;
Only the manger,
stars above;
Only the straw 'neath
the gift of love."

After the cantata, I went to a baby shower
for our pastor's wife, Erin, who is expecting
a baby boy in January.
The table was piled high with pretty presents.
What a joyous occasion it was.
We are thrilled to be having another little baby born to our church family.

Thinking back on Margaret's song and the shower,
I wonder what I will give the baby, the gift of love,
who is to be born again in our hearts this Christmas.

Thank You, Lord, for:
*Your gift of love
*the humble way You came to us
*the lovely music this morning
*warm greetings from friends in this sister congregation
*Advent being experienced in so many ways in so many places
*the blessing of hearing Margaret sing
*the annual youth progressive dinner
*the little one our church is expecting soon
*the young women hosting the shower
*these days of decorating and preparation

With gratitude,
Sally

ADVENTure

I've been rereading a wonderful Christmas book called "The Adventure of Christmas:  Helping Children Find Jesus in our  Holiday Traditions" by Lisa Whelchel that reveals the meaning behind so much that we do during the Christmas season.

The title has captured my imagination.  This year I feel like I am really on an adventure in these days leading up to the celebration of Christ's birth.  God has all sorts of exciting, miraculous, touching surprises just waiting for us to discover and notice during each ordinary day of this extraordinary season.
He's planned for us a true adventure.
Am I ready for the challenge of an adventure?
Will I follow the star?
Will I hear the angels proclaiming the good news?
Is my heart soft enough to feel the touch of His love?

"Adventure" means to engage in daring undertakings or to take a risk.
Will this Advent season be an adventure for me?

How about for you?

Thank You, Lord, for:
*Christmas books
*heirlooms
*my precious family
*my precious Savior
*Mema's Christmas party for her dear line dancing sisters, the "Pacemakers"
*generous Joyce
*pretty Miss Mary
*hearing about Ann's exciting adventures at Rachel's House
*our Christmas Tour of Homes date and the dear ones who shared their homes
*having Margaret's french fries and Ben's burgers for supper--yum!

With gratitude,
Sally

Good News

"The angel said to them,
'Do not be afraid;
for behold,
I bring you good news
of great joy
which will be for all the people;
for today in the city of David
there has been born for you
a Savior,
who is Christ the Lord.'"

We do not have to be afraid.
That is truly good news.

Thank You, Lord, for:
*Ben's awesomeness (and his hair)
*Margaret's good Friday night idea
*the beautiful piano music at Elements
*making chicken salad for Mema
*sharing our story
*Victor coming home!
*the little nativity set he brought me
*tasting everyone's desserts
*finding the advent circle
*lighting candles

With gratitude,
Sally

Missing the Point

I think somehow we are missing the point.
But I don't know what to do about it.

How can we be happy with what we have been given
when we are straining to list what we want and what we need?

I do believe we are missing the point.

Help us, Lord.

Thank You, Lord, for:
*our home
*clean kitchen cabinets
*time to clean
*brave young people standing alone and singing out
*a public school Christmas concert centered on Christ
*getting shivers hearing a beautiful song
*Victor having a good day
*Dad's faithful friends from supper club
*talking to Temp
*knowing You will point the way

With gratitude,
Sally

Birthday Presents

Christmas is the birthday of our King.
King Jesus.
He told us in Matthew 25:
"The king will answer and say to them,
'Truly I say to you,
to the extent that you did it to one on these brothers of Mine,
even the least of them,
you did it to Me.'
and
'Truly I say to you,
to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these,
you did not do it to Me.'"

What am I doing for Jesus for His birthday?
How am I celebrating His birthday?
What will I give Him?

He gave me everything, His all.
Thank You, Lord.
Please show me, tell me, what You want for Your birthday.

Thank You, Lord, for:
*Snowball coming in from the cold
*Virginia's emails not being deleted
*cleaning and carols
*Victor working so hard for us
*his new job
*"making progress," as Mama would say
*Ben finding the tree stand as soon as I offered a monetary reward
*compassionate, listening friends like Paula
*laughing about past choir catastrophes
*Margaret, my Margaret

With gratitude,
Sally

Angels Sing

Hark the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King!

Tonight we gathered at the museum
and were blessed by angels of all ages
singing glory.

The King is coming
and tonight we truly had a taste of His glory.

Thank You, Lord, for:
*Rebecca Smelser sharing her gift of music and encouraging others to do so as well
*hearing Margaret's voice blending with the others' so beautifully
*lovely decorations created from nature's bounty
*15 bean soup
*my dear husband who gives the most wonderful, generous gifts
*poinsettias on the front porch
*AC filters
*my newly repaired and cleaned ring
*not losing the diamond
*friends so willing to help

With gratitude,
Sally

A Second Wind

Here is a good word if you need a second wind about now:
"Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Everlasting God,
the Lord,
the Creator of the ends of the earth
Does not become weary or tired.
His understanding is inscrutable.
He gives strength to the weary,
And to him who lacks might
He increases power.
Though youths grow weary and tired,
And vigorous young men stumble badly,
Yet those who wait for the Lord
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary."
(Isaiah 40:28-31)

I am relying on You, Lord,
for a second wind.

Thanks for the reassurance.

Thank You, Lord, for:
*orange juice
*made from scratch spaghetti sauce
*the smell of onions and garlic sauteing in olive oil
*a good friend with a truck
*the smell of a fresh Christmas tree
*naps
*moonlight
*quiet night time sounds
*Christmas china and candlelight
*hope for tomorrow

With gratitude,
Sally

Joy To The World

The children's Christmas program,
"God's Precious Gift,"
was a gift of joy.

Help me, Lord, receive and share Your precious gift
the way the children did--with joy!

Thank You, Lord, for:
*tinsel haloed angels
*brave little drummer boys
*painted beards that wash off
*Joseph's staff
*the darlin' donkey
*handbells
*seeing old friends
*children singing their hearts out
*patient helpers
*Ben doing his part well

With gratitude,
Sally

Pray Before You Pout

I was disappointed in someone's reaction.
I thought perhaps I had offended.
I wondered what was wrong.
But it was late
and we were tired,
so I decided to pray
and wait until the morning
and just go on to sleep.

When morning came,
bright and beautiful,
sun shining in,
it turned out that everything was
just fine.
Really good, in fact.

It's so true:
"But everyone must be quick to hear,
slow to speak and slow to anger;
for the anger of man does not achieve
the righteousness of God."
                         (James 1:19)
There you have it.

Thank You, Lord, for:
*closing my mouth
*being always there to hear my prayer
*generous friends treating Ben to an elegant Elements dinner
*sweet friends inviting Margaret over
*JV going bowling and coming home on time
*the children's Christmas musical practice
*walking a block to the Christmas parade
*candles reflecting in the mirrors on the mantles
*teenagers playing sardines and hide-and-go-seek
*coming home to a pot of chili

With gratitude,
Sally

Trust

A verse sent with "Merry Christmas!"
from a friend not seen in a long while
reminded me that trust brings peace.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him
and he will make straight your paths."
                        (Proverbs 3:5-6)

That's a true prescription for peace.

Come, Prince of Peace, into my heart and my home
as I trust You.

Thank You, Lord, for:
*Christmas cards
*a day at home alone
*praying for Your decorating direction
*December frost on our walk
*a soft warm scarf to wrap up in
*Old English lemon oil
*red and gold here and red and gold at Victor's hotel
*Victor's "icing on the cake":  meeting Sarah and Ross for supper
*good friends for my children
*making an early deposit

With gratitude,
Sally

Joyously Giving Thanks

As I joyously give thanks for those I love,
this is my prayer for each one:

". . .  that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will
in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord,
to please Him in all respects,
bearing fruit in every good work
and increasing in the knowledge of God;
strengthened with all power,
according to His glorious might,
for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience;
joyously giving thanks to the Father . . ."
                                     Colossians 1:9-12

This is also my prayer for myself, dear Lord.

Joyously giving thanks for:
*finding a book on our shelves that thoughtfully makes the case for the Creator
*rental cars
*my beautiful old "burb" (Suburban)
*pizza night
*Jane looking for the man in need in Walmart
*God's amazing provision
*Sarah's application on the way
*sweet Andrew checking in
*Joseph's clearness and coming home for Thanksgiving
*listening to Daddy's message again and that he enjoyed the Bonhoeffer book

With gratitude,
Sally