Getting ready for the holidays

I just love Christmas! I wish that the decorations could stay up as long as autumn does. I try to decorate as early as I dare so I can enjoy them as long as possible.

I have two tree themes (I only put up one tree -- I rotate from year to year). The themes are "Toys" and "Victorian" -- one for children and the other more for grown-ups. However, I haven't used the Victorian theme since my granddaughter's first Christmas. Children love the "Toy" tree because of all the toy ornaments. Also, I have some old fashioned toys under the tree and kids ARE allowed to play with them. The airplanes, a set of red bicycles, a red wagon, a train, nutcrackers and a train are among our granddaughter's favorite. My grandchildren will have fond memories of Christmas at Grammie and Pa Pa's house.

Last Wednesday, B stayed overnight at our house. Earlier that day I had cleaned the patio (which is made like a walled courtyard) and decorated it for Christmas. That evening she and her Pa Pa snuggled on the loveseat in front of the fireplace, drinking hot chocolate and watching "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" while the Christmas lights sparkled in the darkness. And me? I was in the kitchen preparing our Thanksgiving desserts -- and serving hot chocolate. Next time I want to snuggle with her on the love seat -- and be served hot chocolate! ;)

I have almost finished my Christmas decorating. I only lack the tree and dining room table. The front door (inside and out), piano, mirror, coffee table and end tables, grandfather clock, pation and kitchen are finished. I may decide to sit out a few things in the bedrooms and bathrooms. As I said, I love Christmas!

Simple things can make the best memories. We are blessed with some wonderful memories. Some that have been captured on film, but many more that live only in the realms of our minds.

Love,

Sherry

Header picture

I just love the picture in the header of this blog. I took this picture in Reykyavik, Iceland. The rolling hills, majestic mountains and -- oh my word -- the cloud formations are just beautiful! There were little churches like this one dotted all throughout the countryside.

I wonder if the house on the right could be the parsonage? If so, I wonder how the life in that parsonage compares to the life in the one where I live. Hummm.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Love,
Sherry

Saturday Cartoons

Isn't interesting how our senses stir up memories? I grew up on a peanut farm in Caddo County, Oklahoma. I remember beautiful, cool summer mornings with birds chirping outside my bedroom window. Fast forward ?? years, and I still love hearing the birds sing in the morning. Most any day I can step out on our patio and hear their arias and sometimes just simple morning chatter.

Last week I heard a woodpecker trying it's best to bore a hole in the metal gutters on the parsonage. Loony bird! His beak must have been "Z" shaped by the time he gave up. I could just imagine how his poor little head must have been buzzing! I wonder if he saw stars!

Anyway, the woodpecker brought back memories of another woodpecker from my childhood -- the famous "Woody Woodpecker"! Remember him?

He was such a feisty little character!

When Mr. Lantz was looking for the right voice for the Woody Woodpecker cartoon show, his wife auditioned without revealing who she was. When her husband heard her interpretation of what a woodpecker might sound like, he loved it and hired the voice -- not know it was his wife! Isn't that a hoot?!!

Saturday morning cartoons -- being a carefree kid -- lovin' life! Remember?

Have a wonderful Saturday!

Love,

You know you've stayed too long when . . . .

I had to run some errands this afternoon and also had a hair appointment. Lunch for me today finally arrived around 5:00 p.m. After I ate I stopped at Wal-Mart to do a little shopping. As I was leaving I was reminded of a funny thing that happened to me approximately a year ago.

I was at Wal-Mart -- again -- on a bright sunny evening. I had quite a bit of shopping to do and since Wal-Mart is a one-stop-shopping-place, it can take a long time to get everything you need. Also, depending on the day of the week and the time of day, check out can turn into a lengthy process.

I finished my shopping, made it through check out and was on my way out of the store. I reached into my purse, put on my sunglasses, and began making my way to the car. I begin to notice that people were extra friendly and I received many smiles and nods (especially from men). I thought, "Do I have something on my face? Do I look especially nice today? Is my hair standing on end? What??" Most of the time people don't even acknowledge one another unless they happen to know each other. Anyway, I just smiled back and proceeded to the door. As I came around the corner I soon discovered the reason for the "attention". It was as black as midnight outside and I was wheeling my shopping cart while sporting a pair of sunglasses -- for crying out loud!

Well, you know you've stayed too long in the store when the sun has left the sky and the moon has risen for the night!



Good night my friends,

The January Abyss

Have you ever had a project(s) that just made you feel, while you are in the throes of it, as though you have fallen off into an abyss of work? Well, that's where I've been for the passed three weeks. Not only have I had the year-end reports, taxes, filing, boxing, financial statements, etc., I also get extra projects assigned to me such as booklets to design, collate and bind. :( I'm almost finished with the extra things then I will catch up on the routine things that have not been a priority. The wonderful thing? February is almost here! :) And . . . Bible study starts for our ladies on February 2.

Oh, the January Abyss! I'm soaring my way back to the surface for a big breath of fresh "air".
Praise you, Jesus!

Love,

Have you noticed?

Have you noticed lately that the word verification in the comment section of blogger is kind of, sort of making actual words? Here is one I saw today:

Usually, it's just a garbled bunch of letters, but now, so many of them are closer to an almost real word. Now, I realize this is not profound information or wisdom of any sort or funny, but I just wondered if you've noticed this, too ;)

Love,

I can do it . . . myself!

I must admit that I am a very independent person. I like to do things for myself. Well, that has come back to "bite" me.

This summer our church had an ice cream party -- yummy fun! I brought homemade ice cream and put the freezer in a bucket and yada, yada, yada -- it was very heavy!

When it was time to go home, the SUPERWOMAN syndrome kicked it and I picked up the bucket and freezer and after a few steps I realized that was a VERY, VERY bad idea. (ouch!)

Our Youth Pastor offered to carry it (he probably noticed the strain on my face or . . maybe the bulging vein in my neck) but would I let him feel like a gentleman and help me. NOOOO, not superwomen! God forbid that I could not do it myself! Hense, a very painful shoulder!

My shoulder did get better BUT . . . on vacation, we wanted to disembark the ship early, so, we signed up to be walk-offs, which means you handle your own luggage. Not a problem -- when you haven't been STUPID in the past!

As I was leaving the stateroom with my piggy-backed luggage (hubby had his own to handle), I didn't quite clear the doorway and my luggage caught on the doorway and jerked my arm/shoulder!

It did get better, again.

Now, I have been doing a major clean out, store and trash unneeded items around my house. So, that requires my arms and shoulders! I must have slept on it wrong last night and it is very irritated today.

So if you would, please, pray for my shoulder and arm . . . . and for some common sense :)

(Don't forget the give-away. It ends this Friday night and I will announce the winner Saturday.)

Love,

Time passes swiftly!

Well . . . . here it is Thursday and I haven't posted since Saturday! If I have been out of town that would be a good excuse, but I can't use that one since it would not be the truth :)

All of your gals who may be looking forward to the freedom of the empty nest -- think again. It seems that life in general will fill it back up with something. It may not be your kids, but believe me your days will be full.

I have talked with several retired people in our community and they all seem to say the same thing, "Now that I'm retired, I don't know how I ever worked a 40 hour-a-week job!"

Lord, help me! When that day comes for me, I think I may just reconsider.

My life is full . . . full of wonderful people such as my family, friends and church family. I am so blessed! At times the grace, mercy and blessings of God are overwhelming!

There are many Americans today whose lives were full and happy seven years ago. Then suddenly, a mammoth tragedy forever changed their lives and the world as they knew it when the twin towers in NYC were attacked by terrorist.

They will never forget the pristine morning that quickly clouded into heartbreak. Nor will I forget as I watched my television screen that morning in total disbelief. I just could not wrap my mind around what I was seeing. Suddenly, we Americans who had felt so safe on our home soil no long had that same sense of security.

Seven years have passed and we realize its true: our lives have been changed forever. The deep scars on the hearts of American citizens and land are healing. Those who lost loved ones in the attack are continuing to make their way, some better than others.

I did not personally know anyone who lost their life in the attack that day -- how thankful I am for that. I pray for those who have been left to carry on without the ones they loved so dearly. For some of them, these past seven years have not gone by quickly. For people like me, who ask the question, "Where has the time gone?" need to stop and count our blessings -- especially today.

Through the pandemonium of that day seven years ago, there was one thing that was driven deeper into my spirit: we cannot put our full trust in a person, in a country, in government, in a leader or in things. Full trust is to be placed in God alone. Our safety and security are in His loving hands. He is my security. He is my strength. He is my shield and fortress. He is my strong tower. In Him do I trust!

Love,

Confessions

Today I was reading Sarah's blog about the plethora of toothbrushes that her family has and the smorgasbord of toothpaste as well. This made me think of areas I have around here. The toothbrush/toothpaste department at our house is fine only because there are only two adults living here.

BUT......I have stuff! A garage full of it! I must confess that I love decor accessories and kitchen gadgets and I have toys for my grandchildren all stuffed in a small parsonage -- in the garage actually because the house will not neatly store them. My husband has often asked me "why did you buy that". To be honest, I have done my share of excessive purchasing but I am a pastor's wife I also have a lot of dear friends who give me gifts -- wonderful gifts. I keep the gifts (most of them).

When we were first married, money was really tight and I learned to recycle and redo, therefore, I did not throw something away if I thought I might be able to use it later. The "if you haven't used it in a year throw it away" philosophy did not fit my budget.

Now that my nest is empty I have started downsizing. It is a work in progress. Not only am I downsizing physically but I have been taking spiritual inventory for any excess in my heart that God has not placed there. This, too, is a work in progress.

How about you. Do you have excess in your life physically and/or spiritually? Has God already brought you through this? If so, please share your victory.

Love,

Sherry

I want it all.....and I want it now!

Have you seen the Chase credit card commercial where a wife has had it with their family television? She says to her husband, "You're right, we need a new TV. He brightens up and goes shopping for a new HD TV. Then the music starts ,"I Want It All, and I Want It Now!" The commercial ends with the tag line "Chase what matters."

Every time I see this commercial it reminds me that this is the mentality of most Americans. We have so much to be thankful for. We are free to make choices for ourselves, blessed with abundance of all kinds and still have our freedom to worship God. Yet, we are a nation that consumes more anti-depressants that any other nation. We have so much to be happy about but there seems to be a big void. So....we look elsewhere to fill it.

Many do not necessarily delve into illicit sex, drugs and other "deep" sins" (sin is sin) but instead, over consume food and the purchasing of stuff. We are a nation who spends money on the rental of storage units just to house our over abundance of stuff. (The leasing of storage units is a real money maker for the owners - no joke.)

Just like the song on the commercial, "We want it all and we want it now!", kind of sounds like a small child throwing a temper tantrum doesn't it? I must be honest and admit I, too, have found myself doing the same -- getting caught up in excessiveness, wanting more and wanting it now only to find that the anticipation was more satisfying that the "getting". God is working on this area of my life and I am very thankful for His loving ways that include no condemnation.

The last part of that commercial says "Chase what matters." What matters to me? What matters to you? Relationships: God, family and friends are what matters to me the most. Stuff is so temporary and if it ever brings satisfaction, it's usually very short-lived. So let's chase what matters - the heart of God and all the other relationships and things (stuff) will fall into their proper place. God truly fills the void and brings satisfaction like nothing else and it lasts in spite of the circumstances around us.

Love to you,

Sherry

Instant Replay

Yesterday, I spent the day with my precious daughter-in-law, precocious granddaughter and prince of a new grandson. I did a few things around the house that needed to be done and spent some time with the little ones. I always enjoy being with my kids.

I am so blessed with sweet family relationships. I have sat and listened to women complain about their daughters-in-laws and sometimes I would really like (not that I would) to hit them over the head and say "Are you kidding me? You didn't r-e-a-l-l-y do that, did you?" It's interesting how we booby trap ourselves by our words and actions, then wonder WHAT happened? Why am I being treated this way? What we need is to be able to do instant replays of our conversations and actions -- like the ones we see on the sports channels. I'm sure we would be quite shocked at what we saw and heard. As I've said before, life is not all about "me", it's about God. When we put Him first, all other relationships will fall into their appropriate places.

The Word of God has all the answers for us. We just need to take the time to search for them -- they are there. "Lord, help me to put your Word in my heart so that I might reflect you for your glory. Let my tongue be life to those around me -- not death."

Life at the parsonage ... in instant replay mode:)

Randomness

I am still away at our newest property getting it ready to be leased. Our dear new neighbor -- somewhere, whom I do not know, is suppling internet. I have kept up with my office computer work and internet is a big help AND I can keep up on my blog reading.

Today, my dear mother-in-law had two stints placed in her heart. She came through the procedure just fine. Last week she stubbed her toe on the step going into her home and fell forward. She hurt her little finger and hit her glasses which caused a very black eye. It really looks bad and her eye is so bloodshot. Bless her. The doctor is releasing her to go home tomorrow. She is at Baptist hospital in OKC. The house we have been getting ready to lease is about a 15 - 20 minute drive from there so it has been very handy for us.

This Friday, our night-time ladies group is having a slumber party. One of the families in our church has a lake home and we will be going there for the overnight fun.

I hope to be finished with the house tomorrow. Maybe all except the final shining of the sinks, sweeping and mopping of the floors. It was is very good condition. I have washed cabinets, doors, drawers, walls, baseboards, ceilings, windows, tubs, showers and painted three entire rooms and two accent walls in the master bedroom. I cleaned carpets as well. I'm sure you get the picture. We like to make them feel as new as possible.

I know it sounds strange to some, but I have really enjoyed it. I put in 15 - 16 hour days and fall into bed feeling productive. A great part of the time I have been here by myself and that is so rare that I get to be alone. I loved it! I and God have had such an awesome time. My sweetheart has had to be at the office and carry out his duties and then came here as often as he could. Basically, he does the outside work and I do the inside. (His is harder and at this time of year, HOTTER!)
He is here with me tonight.

Life at the parsonage ... very quiet and vacant:)

I Found Internet !

I'm still away working on our newest property. I discovered internet today! Apparently one of the neighbors has wireless -- so I linked to it so I could post. Aren't you just thrilled? :)

I lack two walls and a bathroom and then I will be finished with the painting. I painted the dining room Antique Red yesterday. I just love it. This red as some brown in it but it will look just red in the picture. See the pic below.



Breaks over and now I need to get back to business.

Life at the parsonage ... I don't know, I'm still away :)

Rejoice

I love the scripture passage in Zephania 3:17. This is what I picture: This morning before I ever woke up, the God of the universe knelt down beside my bed and sang over me! Does that not thrill you to know that our God delights in us and sings over us?

That's all.

Life at the parsonage . . . rejoicing!

Roadkill got me to think'n...

This morning I was on my way to Wal-Mart to pick up some donuts for my Sunday School class and drove past a opossum lying dead in the road; hence, roadkill. The scripture came to mind that tells us that God sees the sparrow when it falls and He even knows the number of hairs on our heads. Then I thought about God's inventory on the earth. I could just see Him go --one less opossum -- check!

That caused me to think about all He keeps up with. (It amazes me how our thoughts can soar and fly in so many directions in microseconds!) I thought about our lives and all we have to keep up with. It all starts when we're children; we keep up with our toys, school work, etc. As we grow, responsibilities do, too. Eventually we have jobs to take care of, then families. As time rolls on there are grandchildren -- I think you get the picture. We can become overwhelmed with life and all the responsibilities of keeping up with it all.

My thoughts then turned to God and all that He keeps up with! He manages the micro-organisms (is there anything smaller?). Then... all the way up through the animal kingdoms: in the sea, on the earth and in the air. Next, there's mankind. Not just us and our families. not just our city, county, state, country but all on the whole earth. He keeps up with the planets, galaxies and universes. Then, there's Heaven and Hell.... He keeps up with it all. And .. He's never overwhelmed. What a manager!

God knows every time one of His little creatures is born or dies. He cares. How much more, then, does he care for us; the ones He sent His only Son to be the sacrificed Lamb for the sins of all mankind (John 3:16). How, then, can we as believers, not have faith to trust Him -- for everything? He longs for us to trust Him. If we do not trust Him we are saying that He is not trustworthy! God...the one who made and manages everything -- not trustworthy? How it must break His heart to see us struggle and not ask for His help. He wants to be our everything.

"Lord, help me to not withhold anything from you but to give you all of me and trust you with everything within me."

Yep, roadkill got me to think'n . . . . .

Life at the parsonage ... in deep thought.

Sherry

Remind me, Lord

I like the True Value Hardware commercial. You know, the one where a lady is trying to pick paint and she can't make up her mind. The hardware store employee has a flashback of her own color choice dilemma and recognizes the customers frustration, The camera then shows the customer who looks a little like this:The employee assures the customer that she can help her make a good selection.

There have been times that I felt like the lady in this picture. How about you? Life can come crashing in some days but that's when I try to remember to turn the whole thing -- mess and all-- to God. I'm sure He would REALLY appreciate me turning my day over to Him BEFORE I make a mess of it:)

Today I had a full day with little toddlers. Let me give you two hints of how my day went ... broken glass and an "egg" on the head!! :o

Life at the parsonage ... hang'n loose!

Sherry

Whose Call Is It?

"It's your call...."

" No, it's yours..."

A conversation like this took place yesterday between two small town fire departments. Before they decided whose call it was, a 14 year-old boy perished in his burning home. The rest of the family made their way to safety, but he was somehow trapped in the inferno. The teen's family waited helplessly while the fire departments disputed over whose responsibility it was to answer the call. The family needs our prayers.

It makes me wonder if we are doing the same type of thing with the sinner. While we may be trying to decide who should step out of their comfort zone to reach them, the sinner perishes. Jesus commanded us to go. He went to controversial places to minister to a needy soul. Are we willing to do the same?

We discussed this subject in our ladies Bible study class Sunday night. I asked them a question: " If you were to see my walking out of a bar, what would you think? " Some jokingly said "Ah!" and the rest said nothing. What I would like for them to say is, "How many people did you lead to the Lord?" In reality, even though I am their pastor's wife, I'm afraid that might not be the case. For a few, it would be a juicy piece of gossip. There might be those who would use it as an excuse to give up. Then there are those who would jump on the bandwagon to help minister right where the sinners are.

One thing for sure, we should never "go" unless the Lord sends us. An obedient child of God will find themselves out of their comfort zone from time to time, but with their obedience comes wisdom, strength, and anything else needed for the task.

So, whose call is it? Yours and mine when we beckons us to step out with Him.

Life at the parsonage tonight ... somber.

Sherry

Just Rambling

I can’t remember when the weather has been so ridiculously fickle. We live in an area right on the jet stream which means the weathermen hit and miss on their predictions. We were to have snow today, but guess what? Nada! Not a flake. It was cold, breezy and overcast but there wasn’t any precipitation at all. As I have said before, I am so ready for spring to come – not just the date on the calendar but the temperature.

I’m having a good hair day J The reason; I just returned home from the beauty shop. My hairdresser told me today that I have enough hair for 5 people! He’s right about that. I am abundantly blessed with good hair on my head. One good thing about having too much fast growing hair is that if I get a bad haircut, in about two or three weeks, no one can tell – no joke! Most days I am very thankful for my mop of hair.

When I returned home from the beauty shop this evening I noticed we had a new front glass door. A few months ago we had horrific wind and as I was coming in the house, the wind ripped the door out of my hand and pushed the door closed so hard that it actually shoved the door past the frame causing it to be jammed shut. I had to ring the door bell for my husband to help me get in. It has continued to give problems off and on. This past Wednesday my daughter-in-law, DeLayna, brought Breanna over to spend the day. I could not, for the life of me, get the stupid door open. She had to come in through the garage instead. So, Hubby ordered a new door the very same day. The installer just happened to have a cancellation and was able to install it today – just one day after purchase – unheard of!

Life at the parsonage today… quiet.

Sherry

I'm Still Here

It has been three months since I have posted to my blog. December is consumed with the holiday preparations at home and at church. We had a wonderful Christmas with our family.

January is like a black hole for me. Year end reports, taxes, payroll, taxes, financial reports, taxes, annual receipts, taxes, filing, taxes. I have taxes every month!

February is the month I make sure I have everything caught up.

March began like a lion. Last Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the weather was absolutely beautiful and warm. We had snow today! It is not unusual to have the biggest snow of the year in March. However, it was a light snow. I am so ready for Spring.

Our granddaughter, Breanna, spent the night with us Saturday. What a delight she is and so much fun! Her favorite color is blue and her favorite song in “Awesome God” from Travis Cottrell’s CD, the” Lamb Has Overcome”.

Since I last posted, we have found out that we have a little grandson that will be joining our family in June! We have seen a 3-D ultrasound picture of him and he is so cute. In the pic he looks like his beautiful Mommy. Breanna looks like her Daddy. She likes the idea of having a baby brother. Hope her feelings don’t change after he arrives, but they probably will for a time.

I sign off for tonight. Life at the parsonage on March 4, 2008.…. relaxed.

Sherry