The Day After Christmas....

This is the Missouri River--all chunked up in broken pieces of ice. Ice pieces crashed into each other, as the flowing water carried them forward.  They then became covered in snow. It is amazing that this big flowing body of water could freeze up (only on top)!

Christmas Day came to an end yesterday; and, as I headed home, I felt a strange sense of freedom. It was as though, maybe, an impending happening, that will set us free, is on the horizon. But, how can one become free from the bondage of old age? Of course, I do believe in miracles. We'll see. Maybe it was a touch of spring fever, since the weather was so nice!

Last year's new year resolution is still going strong--no candy! Not difficult when cookies are still on the "good" list--but it is mighty tempting during the holidays. This year I want to be a better person. So, maybe two resolutions for this year -- exercise twice a week and be kinder to people.

There are so many things we can do to better ourselves. Paul, an Apostle of our Lord Jesus Christ, however, gives us insight and instructions on how we are to live:

1 Timothy 4^:7 But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. ⁸ For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. ⁹ This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. ¹⁰ For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. ¹¹ These things command and teach.

In so reading, walking with the Lord is the greatest resolution we can make. So, resolution number two will be physical excercise, and number one will be to walk with the Lord in obedience.

Amen! -- "So be it!"

A SAVIOR is born!

We cannot imagine the depth of God’s love for baby Jesus—HIS ONLY SON. Yet, at the birth of Jesus, His thoughts were not on declaring the miracle of the birth of HIS SON; instead, He sent His angel to tell the world of the birth of A SAVIOR! God’s thoughts were ON US.

Shepherds saw the magnificent Glory of God that night and it shone all around them. An angel of God told them the good news— declaring the great joy of the birth of a Savior. What a Night!!! A glorious, wonderful night.

God, who created all things, had brought Mary and Joseph to a stable, where Jesus, the Son of our all-mighty and all-powerful God, would be born in humbleness. Not in the majesty he deserved, but as an infant, in the lowest of surroundings.

Jesus didn’t come to save us that we might earn our way to heaven, or claim a birthright that would get us into heaven. He came for those who would take up their cross and follow Him. Redemption and grace is freely given to those who love and accept Him. He is returning soon. Not as a small humble infant, but with all the powers of Heaven — in Glory, as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, to bring deliverance to His children and justice to the world.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas. May God bless you and keep you throughout the season and through the coming year.

Luke 2:⁸ Now there were in the same country shepherds
living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹
And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. ¹⁰ Then the
angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tiding
of great joy which will be to all people. ¹¹ For there is born to
you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling
cloths, lying in a manger.”

¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude
of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

¹⁴ “ Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Christmas Treats

Last Friday Victoria and Madison started baking cookies; and, on Saturday Brandie, Janet, Huimin, Serena and Timmy joined them.

The rain was coming down in buckets in California, but inside Victoria's kitchen it was hot and the smell of baking filled the air. Tray after tray of cookies were coming out of the oven. The Krumkake iron was heated up and baking one tasty cookie after another to be rolled into that tempting cone shaped cookie. Dozens of cheesecakes were mixed up and baked.

Madison, Serena and Timmy decorated the cookies. Everyone, then, taste-tested the cookies. They were as delicious as they look!!!

The holiday treats were wrapped and, with Christmas greetings, sent to neighbors, friends, co-workers and family. Victoria was still delivering by Sunday night. All made and sent with love. God bless you busy bakers!