"Glory to God in the Highest"

It is difficult to think of Christ's birth without thinking of what we have made, and allowed, Christmas to become in our lives and in our hearts. I know a family who still celebrates the season with decorating their home with outdoor lights, a tree full of ornaments, watching good holiday movies, etc., but they open their presents earlier in December so their full focus on Christmas Eve and Day is on Jesus Christ, and what His glorious birth means to a sinful world.
 I really enjoy the lights, decorations, shopping for and making gifts, making fudge, singing Christmas hymns and fun Christmas songs, sending cards to friends and family, and most of the other holiday activities, but I find the greatest JOY in knowing that Jesus Christ was born; that God Himself, in a human vessel, came down and lived among His creation (Isaiah 9:6) to lay down His life that we all, through Him, might be forgiven and  have eternal life (John 3:14-19). Isn't that the greatest gift anyone could ever give? The joy that this gift gives me is a lasting and fulfilling joy that I cannot contain nor keep silent. My cup truly runneth over. What a blessing!!  Beautiful grace!!
I pray that the JOY of the LORD fills your heart now and forever more.
Merry Christmas!

This Is My Fathers World

This is my Father's world, 

and to my listening ears

all nature sings, and 'round me rings

the beauty of the spheres.

This is my Father's world:

I rest me in the thought

of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;

His hand the wonders wrought.

     Hiking is a delight to my eyes as well as my soul. Whenever I am out in nature, I think of the Hand that made all things, and it brings a special joy to my heart. The One who created such magnificent beauty also created me, and is taking care of me. It is a comfort to know that He cares for me and loves me so much. Even though life has it's trials, I can rest and trust in Him to guide me and provide for me. 

This is my Father's world,

the birds their carols raise, 

the morning light, the lily white, 

declare their maker's praise.

This is my Father's world,

He shines in all that's fair;

in the rustling grass I hear Him pass;

He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father's world.

O let me ne'er forget

that though the wrong seems oft so strong,

God is the ruler yet.

This is my Father's world:

why should my heart be sad?

The Lord is King; let the heavens ring!

God reigns; let the earth be glad!

Family Centered Television

       The above link isn't posting how it should. Click on the box to see "Not Quite Donna Reed" blog.
I ran across this blog today. I thought it was a cute idea. Not too long ago, I enjoyed watching the first three seasons of The Donna Reed Show. I haven't watched any television programs for years now, but I do enjoy some old ones. My favorites are: The Andy Griffith Show, Father Knows Best, and The Donna Reed Show.

I grew up watching Little House on the Prairie and The Waltons.  Maybe today's programs are entertaining, exciting or educational, but I enjoy the messages and simple story lines of the family centered shows of days gone by.