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Welcome to my blog: I intend to share heartfelt writing about anything that comes to mind. |
| It's Christmas Eve 2024! Wow! Where has this year gone? Did I blink or something? I was feeling so exhausted today. I pretty much just rested. I needed it. I will try to have more to say for tomorrow. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Take UP Your Cross Blog Prompt: What does Jesus mean to you? Answer: I cannot and don't even want to imagine a world without him. I love him with all my heart. He is my everything. Prayer prompt: Pray God’s word takes root in your heart and the heart of others who hear or read the word of God whether in their personal quiet time or through the message of someone else. Dear God, I pray your Word takes root in the heart of the people who read your word and hear it. I pray that it grows in my own as well. Let people realize what the real meaning of Christmas is. In Jesus' name, Amen  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
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Write about the best present you received as a child. I got a lot of gifts as a child. One that really stands out in my memories is when I got my hoppity horse. I road that thing to staves. Poor thing. It's hard to pick a favorite though. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Prompt: A New Holiday Tradition Did you ever think of starting a new holiday tradition? Which kinds of new traditions would make you feel happy and excited? I was always trying different things throughout the years. Sometimes my family liked it and others not so much. LOL I think I always want to celebrate Jesus' birth. Anything else is icing on the cake for me. I have always had an adventurous spirit. This year, my roommate, her brother, and I are having a birthday party for Jesus. I love the idea and may decide to do this from now on.  |
| Today was kind of busy. I had to take my roommate to the dr. Then we had to get medicine from the pharmacy and go to the store. The line was crazy long at the checkout. Then I had some work to do around the house. I am tired and glad today is over. Now for the holiday. I am feeling like a scrooge this year. I am sorry. I will be so glad when this holiday is over with. I am just going through some personal emotional stuff right now and am having a hard time with it this year. I am still trying to make the most of it though. I did get a blessing at the grocery store though. I had given the cashier the last of my money to cover my bill, and the lady behind me gave me a $20 bill and wished me a Merry Christmas. God has still blessed me this year regardless of how I am feeling. He knows my heart. I did get a couple of gifts this year when I didn't expect any, so I can't really complain. I am just missing my immediate family dearly this year. I feel like a lost puppy dog. I will be okay eventually. My roommate, her brother, and I plan to have a little cake and ice cream for Christmas and have a little birthday party for Jesus. I would rather celebrate Jesus any way. I actually love this idea as opposed to exchanging gifts between us. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Take UP Your Cross Blog Prompt: Do you take your faith and the faith of others into consideration when consuming media? (TV, movies, music, podcasts, books, etc.) Write about this in your blog entry for today. Answer: When I am with other people, I try to take that into consideration. When I am on my own, I like to form my own opinions about things so I may or may not watch something questionable or controversial to others. My faith is always in the back of my mind at least and I do make decisions based upon it. However, I can't say that I fit the mold of what others think. I will watch documentaries or read material about other faiths and such to educate myself about them. This last story that I wrote for nano was a different type than I am used to. I tried to keep religious references out of it and that was difficult for me to do because it is a very big part of my life. I learned from the experience. Prayer prompt: That the church would look different from the world. That it truly be the light of the world, drawing sinners like ourselves to it so that they can meet with Jesus, the Savior of their souls. Dear God, Please, let the church lead others to the true light of the world. Let the church look more like you than the world. Let them lead others to yourself and truly introduce Jesus to sinners. In Christ's name, Amen -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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What is your number 1 goal for 2025? To take better care of myself is my number 1 priority for 2025. When you are a caregiver, it is easy to neglect yourself. I have done that a bit this year and it shows. It's time I care about myself and my own health as much as I care about other people's or I won't be able to take care of others. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prompt: Gifts Do you believe some gifts, like a Christmas gift, can have the power to bring out the best in their receivers? And what kinds of gifts can do that? I think some gifts can bring out the best in their receivers. The gift of Christ and Salvation to the world is a very good example of this. I think gifts should always aim to improve or bring out the good in people. |
It's my birthday, again! I made it to 48! Today didn't go as I planned it at all, but such is life, I guess. At least I got to turn another year older. I did get to go out to eat at Burger King and got to post a picture with my crown on Facebook. |
| I am just feeling unusually tired today. I don't know why. I do feel like I have a cold coming on. Maybe that's it. I did do a little work around the house, but not a ton. We went out for my birthday dinner tonight instead of tomorrow which is my actual birthday. I had fun with my best friend's nieces which are like my own. They call me aunt too. I am an only child, so my best friend shares her nieces with me. I love them to death. They are actually her great nieces. I can't help myself. I can be in a yucky mood and when I see them, it brightens my day every time. One is one and a half and the other is 2 months old. I love me some baby time. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Take UP Your Cross Blog Prompt: Are their limitations to God's grace? Answer: If there are, I haven't become aware of them yet. I believe his mercy and grace are unmeasurable. Prayer prompt: Pray for those who are struggling with health issues. Ask that God would grant them healing, and provide the doctors and nurses wisdom in order to assist those who are sick or injured. Dear God, Thank you for caring about us. Please help those who are struggling with health issues especially here on WDC. Give them healing. Provide the doctors and health care team wisdom to assist those who are sick and/or injured. Provide them comfort and peace about the situation. In Jesus' name, Amen -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Harlan Miller said, “I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month.” What would you put inside jars to be opened for each month of the year to remind you of the feeling of Christmas or December if you don't celebrate? We can have Christmas every day if we desire to do so. We can keep decorations up or we can do a little Christmas activity, or we can give something every day. I think if I wanted to keep something in a jar though, it would be the spirit of giving and love. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Garrison Keillor said, “A lovely thing about Christmas is that it’s compulsory, like a thunderstorm, and we all go through it together.” or Benjamin Franklin said, “A good conscience is a continual Christmas.” Let one of these quotes inspire your entry today. I don't think I have heard either of these quotes before. I can't say I agree with either of them necessarily. I think Christmas is exactly what you make of it. It can be nothing and just another day of the week or it can be time with family and/or friends, or it can be an awesome and fun celebration. |
| Today was a little busy. I worked on some Christmas prep. We had a visitor, and I didn't get much accomplished around the house as I had planned. However, it is always nice to visit with friends. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Take UP Your Cross Blog Prompt: Write about church fellowship dinners: your favorite dish to eat and bring, your favorite memory, the people you enjoy spending time with, etc... Answer: I enjoy church fellowship dinners even if I don't know anyone there. It's an opportunity to meet new people and try different dishes. I have often brought pea salad as my go to quick dish to bring. I also have brought mashed potatoes, deviled eggs, and mac and cheese frequently. I have had many delicious experiences at fellowship dinners, it's hard to pick out a favorite dish. I think my favorite memories are from when I was a really little girl at the first church, I was ever a member of. I don't have just one that I could write about. This is a subject I could write a lot about and don't want to be here all evening. LOL Prayer prompt: Pray for guidance in decision-making, and wisdom to choose wisely. Dear God, Please help me to make good decisions. Give me wisdom to choose wisely and make the correct choices. In Jesus' name, Amen -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Have fun with these words: decorative pillows, braided rug, fireplace, broken glass, spilled wine, a cat and a corpse. I can't wait to see the tale you'll weave. As the detective first entered the room, nothing seemed to be out of place. The very first thing he noticed is that there had recently been a fire burning in the fireplace. He admired the decorative pillows on the sofa. They were festive for this time of year. One had a Christmas tree decorated with beads and sparkles. The other one had a wreath with a red ribbon and embroidered details of pinecones and holly leaves with berries. On the floor there was a lovely, braided rug that gave the place a cozy and comfortable vibe. Then he walked to the other side of the sofa. This is when he noticed the spilled wine and broken glass. He squatted down to examen them closer when he noticed the cat hiding under the beautifully decorated Christmas tree. It sat quietly, eying him suspiciously. The cat acted like it had been spooked by something as it was jumpy but hesitant to move from its hiding place. The detective stood up and walked around the corner into the hallway. That is when he saw it. A corpse lay face down on the floor in a pool of blood. It was now his job to find out what happened to the unfortunate victim. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Write an acrostic poem about Winter Solstice. Yup, it will have two stanzas one with the first letter of each line spelling winter and the second stanza with the first letter spelling solstice. Have fun. I can't wait to see what you come up with in your entry. Whispering winds Icy frost Nearby friends The leaves lost Evening brings Reverent pause Shortest day Oneness for all Love renews So long Fall The new season Instantly recalls Christ's birth cries out Eternal life to all |
| Thankfully, I got rid of the headache from yesterday. I am feeling kind of tired today, but better at least. I am not doing the stuff I planned on doing today so not getting as much accomplished as I would have liked around the house, but I will try again tomorrow. This is just one of those days with lots of unexpected distractions. But hey, they happen. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Take UP Your Cross Blog Prompt: Have you read the entire Bible? What portion have you read? When do you read it? Is there something that motivates you to read it? Answer: I have read the entire Bible through from front to back and in chronicle logical order. I think I do better when I do my reading and study in the evening. I love to read it. It is easy for me to get caught up in its stories. I also ask God to give me a hunger and a desire to read his word and to learn about him. Prayer prompt: Pray for the members of your church, including your pastor, staff and his family. If you don't attend a church, choose a local one and pray for it and its pastor, staff and members. Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for giving us other people to worship you with. Please be with our local churches and pastors. Bless their staff members and all the work they do around their church and community. Give the pastors wisdom to lead their church according to your will. Let the members seek you even beyond the church and be willing to share their faith with others when the opportunity presents itself. In Jesus' name, Amen -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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When you listen to Christmas music what happens? Do you sing along as you do chores or do you get swept away with memories and sit down? I do enjoy a few Christmas songs during the holidays. I will sing along and dance with the ones I really enjoy. Sometimes I like to just listen and reflect as well. It just depends on my mood I guess. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prompt: Do you ever wish you could take your precious, cherished memories, wrap them up in tissue paper, put them in a big box with your Christmas Decorations then get them out at Christmas and relive them? How would it make you feel? Write about this in your Blog entry today. I can always relive those memories in my mind. I also see my past loved ones in my dreams quite often. I wouldn't want to interrupt their resting in peace to bring them back. Holidays are hard for me because my immediate family is all gone. I have learned over the years though that the holidays are exactly what you make them to be. You have to put forth the effort to make them special with your family or even if you are alone. It's up to you to celebrate it or not and how you desire to do so. |
| I am dealing with an intense headache today. I have decided to start writing some of my thoughts and feelings down here. Hopefully, this will allow me to not hold so much in. I guess we will see. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Take UP Your Cross Blog Prompt: Write about what inspires you? What brings out the best and worst in you? Answer: It's hard to think with this headache. I am definitely inspired better when I don't have one. These headaches make it hard to think and function sometimes. This is one of those times. I am inspired by nature, by goodness, by love, strong values, determination, and encouragement. When I see someone mistreated or animals abused or someone willfully being stupid or mean, that brings out the worst in me. Prayer prompt: Pray against the evil schemes of human trafficking that are taking place all around the world. Pray for the safety of all people who are targets for those who seek to commit these acts. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Have fun with these words : twinkle, sparkle, ornament, tree, hot cocoa, icicles, snowshoes, and deer tracks. Fun fact: don't read this when you have to pee. I did and thought the word twinkle was tinkle. LOL What do you do with these words when you don't feel like being creative because you have a bad headache? I Don't live where I get to see any dear tracks frequently. They are more in the rural areas and I am in the city. I also don't see much snow here, so I have never worn or used snowshoes. Icicles can be both fun and dangerous. One year when I was a little girl, my parents and I decorated a snowman with icicles. I love to drink Hot Cocoa. Have you ever mixed it with your coffee? It tastes like Capaccino. I was not allowed to have a Christmas tree at my house growing up. However, I love to decorate them with ornaments now. I love to see the twinkle and sparkle of the Christmas decorations every year. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prompt: What books are you reading right now? Write about this in your Blog entry today. I do read the Bible often. I have Audible on my phone. On that I am listening to a book of lectures about who actually wrote the Bible which is proving to be interesting. I am hoping to read the 39 clues series of books after the holidays. It is a youth series, but I've read it before and enjoyed it. So why not? |
Take UP Your Cross Blog Prompt: Do you value God's opinion or other people's opinions more? Why or why not? How is this evident in your life? Answer: I definitely value God's opinion more. I grew up a child of a preacher and therefore I have no trouble telling even preachers what I think. As you can imagine, sometimes my mouth gets me into trouble though since it sometimes has a mind of its own. LOL I have a quote. "I don't wake up every morning to please you, him. her, whoever." There's that attitude I try to keep hidden and under control. LOL I told you I had one. Prayer prompt: Ask God to give you a heart that is responsive to His word and is sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Dear Lord, After the confession mentioned above, I guess I really do need to pray for this. Please, give me a heart that is responsive to your word and sensitive to the leading of your spirit. Help me to keep that attitude in check and represent your character instead of my own. Always. In Jesus' name, Amen -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Let one of these quotes inspire your entry today" "Winter forms our character and brings out our best." — Tom Allen or "Winter is not a season, it's a celebration." — Anamika Mishra Hmmm! Well, if winter is tough on you, then it can definitely "develop character to bring out the best" in you. I can't say I think Winter is a celebration. Not a huge fan of it. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prompt: Friendships "There is a magnet in your heart that will attract true friends. That magnet is unselfishness, thinking of others first; when you learn to live for others, they will live for you." Paramahansa Yogananda What do you think this prompt means when it comes to making friends? Is total unselfishness the only way to make friends? And how do think friendships deepen? I know that the Bible says that the way to make friends is to be a friend yourself. We have to learn to be the kind of friend we want in others. If unselfishness is a value you want to see in your friends, it starts with you. No, your unselfishness is not always returned faithfully by your friends. However, how can you expect them to be unselfish when you yourself are selfish towards them? I strongly believe friendships deepen by putting time and effort into them. Friendships get stronger as you spend time together and communicate. They deepen as you experience life together and are there for one another. |
| I am feeling extremely tired today. The dogs have been a bit restless the last couple of days. I think it might be because I have been cleaning and moving a lot of stuff around. I am currently staying at my best friend's brother's house with my best friend. The house is a mess. Someone has to clean it. I am trying to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. I have a few goals aka resolutions for the new year. I'll write about that as I get closer to the beginning of next year. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Take UP Your Cross Blog Prompt: This last Friday was Friday the 13th. What is your opinion about a Christian and celebration/superstitions such as this? Answer: I am not a superstitious person. My grandmother was, but that's beside the point. I don't really think that a Christian should be superstitious. We should rely on God and trust in him. Prayer prompt: Pray for the small businesses in your area. Dear Heavenly Father, Help the small businesses prosper in my area. Bless them and help them to manage their finances wisely. In Christ's name, Amen -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Monday Blues I don't usually get the Monday blues. It's just another day of the week. I try to stay positive. I usually just hope for the best. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prompt: Never giving up? "If you fall behind, run faster. Never give up, never surrender, and rise up against the odds." Jesse Jackson What do you think this quote means? Is it a good idea to never give up on something, someone, or some project that seems like a dead-end? Do you give up easily or are you the kind of person Jesse Jackson was talking about? I don't necessarily give up easily. However, I think sometimes, it can be wise to quit. It takes discretion to know when to keep trying and when to give it up. It's kind of like the line in Kenny Rogers' song The Gambler, "You've got to know when to hold them, know when to fold them, know when to walk away and know when to run" Unfortunately, that is closer to reallity. |
Take UP Your Cross Blog Prompt: What has influenced your faith? Answer: There are many things that have influenced my faith throughout the years. First of all, my dad was a preacher. He mostly preached in the Okc and Guthrie Oklahoma Jails. He also did some preaching at nursing homes and rescue missions. Occasionally, he would help in a church somewhere. He also had a radio program when I was a really little girl until it got too expensive for him to stay on the air. My Grandmother had a Pentecostal background. Her prayers and Bible reading also had an impact on me. I went to private (Christian) schools and to church. Both of these had an impact too. I have also done a lot of research and studying for myself. I think this has been a huge influence by itself. Prayer prompt: Pray that God would use you as an encouragement to those who are discouraged, downtrodden, and weary. Dear God, Please be with those who are struggling with depression, are discourage, are downtrodden, and weary. Help them to find their identity in you. Be with them. Renew their strength. In Jesus' name, Amen -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Nostalgia looks different to each person but when it comes to Christmas decorating, we all have a few memories in common. What's your favorite decoration as a child, as an adult? Do you choose themes for your trees each year? I have many wonderful memories of decorations as a child, at my home and at my grandma's house. I helped my best friend's dad decorate their house as an adult and have enjoyed using my creativity to decorate in years past. I have decorated my workplaces before as well. I haven't ever really been much on choosing a theme for the tree. When I was a child, I wasn't allowed to have a tree at our house. We put our gifts around the nativity scene. Grandma had a tree at her house though. I have always enjoyed various nativity scenes. I think my favorite decoration has always been the lights. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On December 14, 1911, Norwegian Roald Amundsen becomes the first explorer to reach the South Pole, beating his British rival, Robert Falcon Scott. If you were offered a free trip to the South Pole to help with research, would you go? While I would probably enjoy helping with some research, I don't think the South Pole would be the place for me to do it since I have a sensitivity to the cold. When my skin gets too cold, I break out in hives. I discovered this as a teenager when I went ice skating with a school group. My hands and fingers had always swollen, but those hives were absolutely miserable. My mother took me to the doctor immediately. I was diagnosed with Cold Urticaria. |
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