May God's favors to His people in the upcoming year be so obvious that all the world takes notice!
Let others see Jesus in YOU!

May God be gracious to us and bless us

and make his face shine upon us,

that your ways may be known on earth,

your salvation among all nations.

May the peoples praise you, O God,

May all the peoples praise you,

may the nations be glad and sing for joy,

for you rule the peoples justly

and guide the nations of the earth,

May the peoples praise you, O God!

may all the peoples praise you,

Then the land will yield its harvest.

and God, our God will bless us.

God will bless us,

and all the ends of the earth

will fear him.

Psalm 67

May you have a joyous and blessed New Year!

PATTY

These are a few of My Favorite Things..................

As the Christmas Season has come to an end, I thought I would share a few of my favorite things with you!

 

 



Children Singing in Christmas Plays at church



Children singing in Christmas Plays at school.....



My Boyd's Bear Tree loaded with all shapes, sizes and colors of Boyd's Bears





My Little Kitchen Tree loaded with Cinnamon Scented Ornaments.....

 

Yum...they smell sooooo good!







My Big tree sitting in our cozy Living room loaded with Country Ornaments......



The precious face of a Grandchild!!!!!!



My Willow Tree Nativity which sits year round in my living room...............



The shape and Sparkle of the Icicles hanging on the roof outside......



Max standing Guard over the bird feeder outside our window.....



All the beautiful birds who gather around the food regardless of what Max may think.

 

Greenery Everywhere!!!!!

Here.......

And here........



 I told you Everywhere!!!!!

So, as the Christmas season comes to and end and the new year is about to begin may the beauty of the season remain in your heart throughout the upcoming year. 

Blessings to all!

PATTY

The angel said unto them "Behold, I bring tidings of great joy." Luke 2:10

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND MANY BLESSINGS IN THE NEW YEAR!

Patty

CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS TO EVERYONE................

CHRISTMAS CAME EARLY TO MY HOUSE 

DUE TO THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US AND THE BUSY SCHEDULES THEY KEEP, WE CELEBRATED CHRISTMAS A WEEK EARLY.    IT WAS SUCH A BLESSING TO HAVE THEM  WITH US. 

WE MADE COOKIES AND CANDY.  WHITE CHOCOLATE DOUBLE STUFFED OREOS AND WHITE CHOCOLATE COVERED PRETZELS......YUMMY!  WE HAD TO KEEP IT SIMPLE FOR THE GRANDS WANTED TO HELP......

THEY INSISTED ON WEARING APRONS JUST LIKE NANA.  THE APRONS WERE MADE BY THEIR GREAT-GRANDMOTHER....MY MOTHER-IN-LAW.

THE KIDS HAD A DANCE OFF AS WE ALL LAUGHED.

OF COURSE, WE HAD PRESENTS.........

THE KIDS GATHERED ON THE COUCH AND WAITED FOR POPPY TO READ THE CHRISTMAS STORY......THIS IS MY FAVORITE PART OF OUR TIME TOGETHER.

EVERYONE LISTENED AS POPPY READ THE CHRISTMAS STORY AND THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS....AND THEN WE PRAY AND THANK GOD FOR ALL HIS GOODNESS AND FOR THE GREATEST GIFT EVER....JESUS!

I COULD NOT RESIST THIS PICTURE AS THEY PRAYED.........

WE ENDED THE NIGHT ALL CUDDLED UP TOGETHER IN THE FAMILY ROOM AND WATCHED A CHRISTMAS MOVIE..........

OUR HEARTS ARE FULL AND WE WERE SO BLESSED TO HAVE THIS TIME TOGETHER WITH OUR FAMILY.  I KNOW MANY OF YOU WILL BE WITH YOUR FAMILY DURING THE NEXT FEW DAYS......SO ENJOY YOUR BLESSINGS!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAVE A BLESSED NEW YEAR

 FROM OURS TO YOURS!

Let it snow. Let it snow, Let it snow!





The snow is falling down and the temperature is getting colder.  We have about 4-5 inches on the ground and it is still snowing.  We are expecting around 4 or so inches more today.  The birds are gathering around the feeders and filling up.  Inside, me, max and Sophia (my dogs) and Abby ( my youngest Grand-daughter) are staying warm.  Abby just finished off a cup of hot chocolate and me a cup of coffee.

I brought the kids home with me from Lexington, Ky on Saturday after a shopping trip with their Mom. We knew the snow was coming which meant no school for several days (most likely the week) so, home with Nana and Poppy!  They were delighted and so were we!

We do not get this opportunity very often so we are blessed to have them with us this week.  We usually celebrate Christmas together the week before due to the miles that separate us. The fact that my husband and son-in-law are both pastors keeps them close to home on the week-end of Christmas.  So we plan to enjoy our time together.  We plan to make cookies, candy, wrap presents and watch Christmas movies!  We are still missing one of our little ones "Kamden".  He did not get to come with us.

We did get the opportunity to enjoy Kam's Christmas play at his school while we were in Lexington.  He goes to a wonderful private Christian school.  He is the one in the middle with his hands raised.  He is such a cutie and so precious.  He of course, has called us crying wanting to be here with his cousins.  Made me sad.........

I am so thankful for all the wonderful blessings that we have.  Our Children, Grandchildren and so much more.  God is so good to us all!  As the snow is falling I am thoughtful of those who do not have shelter or food.  Those who during this time of year are less fortunate.  Many are without jobs and are struggling just to get by.  Christmas is a time of year that we can remember Jesus came as our Savior! His mission would bring Salvation to us all!  He paid the price of His life.... so that we could have life! 

How wonderful !  Jesus loved us enough to die for us!  Redeemed by his blood!  That is reason enough to celebrate his birth.  May you be blessed and may you remember your blessings! May you express the heart of Jesus to those around you.  May you give to others and He gave to us!  May you live as He lived and may we die to ourselves just as he died for us!

If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but, whoever loses his life for me will find it.  Matt 16: 24-25

Blessings!

Patty

Counting My Blessings.....

         Just got in from my Bible study at the county jail.  I so enjoy my time with the women.  As I drove back home (which takes me about 25-30 minutes) I asked the Lord to watch over my driving through the mountains on hwy 119 and to keep the snow at bay and the roads clear.  I could not help but to think of the girls back in jail.  I thanked the Lord for His presence during our study.  I also thanked Him for the opportunity to go inside the jail and lead a study. 

In an odd sort of way....I feel so at home (at the jail).  There is something so rewarding and satisfying about sharing with those who feel there is no hope...the fact that there is hope!!  You know when someone is getting it.  The sparkle in their eye.  You can almost see the conversation going on in their mind.......Could Jesus be the answer for me?  Is this what I have needed all along?  Does Jesus really care about me?  Of course there are those whose mind seems to wander elsewhere.  Thinking about dinner, someone outside, the painting on the wall.  I don't know..... whatever Satan puts there to make them wander away from the truth they so desperately need to hear.  Still, I feel blessed to share the truth (the Word) and the love of my Lord with them.  A small sacrifice for what He did for me!

So today, I am counting my blessings and am praying for those who are less fortunate during this Christmas season.  Those who will be inside the walls of a cell or the four walls of a hospital room.  To those separated from children and families during this holiday season.  To those whom Christmas will be just another day due to the chains of addiction, poverty and illness. 

 I made it home safely to find my   sweet husband had the Christmas lights on and supper made.  So thankful for my dear sweet husband and my home!

Yes, I am thankful and truly blessed...........May I always be willing to reach those who Jesus too sought out.  The sick and lowly, the lonely, the least and the lost.  Thank you Lord!

Blessings to you and always remember to stop and count your blessings!

BLESSINGS! 

Patty

The Simple Life

My Christmas Village is all set up inside of my old red cupboard in the Living room. Here are the pictures I promised.  It took me most of the day to set it up. As I stepped back to look upon all my labor I could not help but to wander back in time. A time when life seem to be so much harder but yet so simple.

 I do enjoy all the perks of today...electric heat, electric lights, inside "toilets", telephones, computers, TV and of course my hot tub.  I still remember  and miss the days of sitting around the potbelly stove all warm and cozy in my Grandmothers living room while the light from the coal oil lanterns flickered shadows that danced on the walls around us. We sit quietly and listened as stories were told and sometimes drifted off to sleep in the coziness and warmth that surrounded us.



The days when Christmas was much more simple.  We were told to choose "one" gift and "one" gift was all we received. It made that gift so much more special. When our stockings were stuffed with fruit and unwrapped candies such as peppermint sticks and fruit flavored gum candies. To get a chocolate bar was such a treat.

When a live nativity was expected in your community and not a thing of debate! When kids really believed in Santa and listened intensely as the local television station would broadcast sightings of Santa in the area. When we heard he was close to our home we would run to the bed and jump under the 5 lbs of covers that would keep us warm until morning . When everyone wanted to hear the reading of the Christmas story from the Bible and believed it to be true! When you were able to say "Merry Christmas" to all those around you without it being a big deal! When we believed that "Christ" was the reason for the season!

 Yes, many things have changed over the years.  Again, I must say I do enjoy all the little "perks" that make life more convenient and enjoyable. I still long for the 'good ole days" when life was much more simple and yet still enjoyable! I miss my parents and Grandparents who have all passed away. The way they made Christmas special for our family.  I miss the days of stories and laughter and good fellowship. Yes, all of this came from a small Christmas Village set up in my living room.  So many sweet memories from a much simpler time of life. I pray that even though we have all the modern conveniences that I am still making lasting memories with my Daughters and Grandchildren.   May you take time this Christmas season to enjoy your family, neighbors and friends and remember the real reason for the season.....Jesus!  Here's to all our wonderful new memories!!!!

Blessings to you and yours!

Patty

 

How Blessed we are.......................

Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you;

he rises to show you compassion.

For the Lord is a God of justice,

Blessed are all who wait for him!

Isaiah 30:18

THIS VERSE IS SUCH A WONDERFUL REMINDER OF THE FAITHFULNESS OF THE LORD TO HIS PEOPLE.   ISAIAH IS YET, ONCE AGAIN, TELLING THE PEOPLE THAT AFTER PUNISHING ISRAEL, (for yet wrong choices, again).  GOD WILL ONCE AGAIN BLESS THEM........HOW SAD IT IS WHEN THERE ARE TIMES OF PUNISHMENT IN OUR LIVES FROM THE LORD, MAINLY DUE OUR CHOICES. OVER THE PAST YEAR I HAVE SOMEWHAT FELT THAT TIME OF "PUNISHMENT" AND I REALIZE IT WAS NO ONES FAULT BUT MY OWN!

 IN THE GOOD OLE WEBSTERS, PUNISHMENT IS DESCRIBES AS, "THE STATE OR FACT OF PUNISHMENT" OR "THE PENALTY FOR A FAULT OR CRIME,"  THE SECOND PART OF THAT DEFINITION DESCRIBES EXACTLY HOW THIS PAST YEAR HAS BEEN FOR ME.  LET ME EXPLAIN:

AS MANY OF YOU KNOW, MY HUSBAND AND I RAN A RESCUE MISSION THAT DEALT SPECIFICALLY WITH WOMEN STRUGGLING WITH "LIFE CONTROLLING" ISSUES.  MOST OF THEM WERE COMING FROM A WORLD OF ABUSE AND ADDICTION.  WE ESTABLISHED THE NON-PROFIT MINISTRY AND FORMED A BOARD OF DIRECTORS WHO HAD A HEART AND COMPASSION FOR HURTING PEOPLE. 

 I STARTED OPENING MY HOME UP TO WOMEN WHO HAD NO PLACE TO GO AND NEEDED HELP.  THAT LED TO MY HUSBAND LEAVING HIS JOB AND THE SELLING OUR HOME.  WE THEN PURCHASED A PIECE OF PROPERTY THAT ALLOWED US TO HOUSE AND HELP WOMEN FULL-TIME.  IT WAS ONE OF THE HARDEST THINGS WE HAVE DONE, YET ONE OF THE MOST REWARDING. 

WE CALLED IT THE LIGHTHOUSE IN THE MOUNTAINS RESCUE MISSION.

NOW TO GET BACK TO THE SUBJECT.  AFTER MANY YEARS OF HELPING AND SERVING AT THIS MINISTRY 24-7, WE BEGIN TO WEAR DOWN.  GOD WAS SO FAITHFUL.  WE WERE ABLE TO MINISTER TO WOMEN, HOUSE THEM AND HELP THEM SEEK A NEW LIFE THROUGH THE LEADERSHIP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AT NO EXPENSE TO THEM OR THEIR FAMILY.  EVERYTHING WAS PROVIDED......CLOTHES, FOOD, TOILETRIES.....EVERYTHING!  IT WAS AMAZING TO SEE GOD WORK.  THE WOMEN COULD VISIT WITH THEIR CHILDREN AND MAINTAIN A HEALTHY CONNECTION TO THEIR FAMILY WHILE GETTING CLEAN AND SEEKING THE LORD. 

THIS IS A GROUP OF THE WOMEN WITH SOME WONDERFUL VOLUNTEERS FROM LINDSEY WILSON COLLEGE  (in Kentucky).  WHO HELPED US BY DOING SOME MAJOR LABOR DURING SPRING BREAK.

 IT WAS WONDERFUL, BUT AGAIN, VERY DIFFICULT.  IT BECAME HARD AND WE BECAME VERY TIRED AND OVERWORKED.  MUCH DUE TO LACK OF HELP PHYSICALLY.  WE HAD LOTS OF HELP FINANCIALLY BUT LACKED HELP(LABOR) ON A DAY TO DAY BASIS.  SOON, THAT BEGIN TO TAKE A TOLL ON OUR LIVES.  IT BECAME MORE THAN WE COULD TAKE. WHEN YOU DEAL WITH ADDICTION AND ALL THE ISSUES THAT FOLLOW....IT IS NOT SOOOOO EASY, BUT I HAVE LEARNED, WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR EYES OFF THE LORD AND LOOK TO THE WORLD YOUR VISION GETS VERY CLOUDED. 

WE ALSO HAVE AN ENEMY WHO WANTS TO MAKE SURE WE DO NOT SEE THINGS AS GOD SEES THEM.  HOW QUICKLY SATAN CAN MESS THINGS UP.

 

Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

I Peter 5: 8-9

SATAN IS VERY CLEVER AT GETTING US TO LOOK AWAY FROM GOD AND AT THE WORLD. 

WE BEGAN TO DO JUST THAT.  FORGETTING THE WONDERFUL SCRIPTURE ABOVE.  WE THOUGHT WE WERE THE ONLY ONES SUFFERING WITH SUCH A DIFFICULT MINISTRY. THE OLD, "WHY US GOD" AND "WE ARE ALL ALONE"?  PETER REMINDS US, THIS IS NOT TRUE.  THERE ARE OTHERS WHO "ARE UNDERGOING THE SAME KINDS OF SUFFERINGS".   NO, SATAN WANTS US LOOK AT THOSE WHO ARE FOCUSED ON THE PROCESS OF THIS WORLD.  NOT A GOOD THING TO DO---- IN SUCH A BUSY AND TOUGH MINISTRY.  IT CAUSES YOU TO BECOME SELFISH AND WANT THINGS YOUR WAY. WE BEGIN TO LOOK FOR EASIER OPTIONS.

   IN SEPTEMBER 2010 WE DECIDED TO WALK AWAY FROM THE RESCUE MISSION AND GO BACK INTO THE PASTORATE.  FORGETTING ALL THAT WE KNEW TO BE TRUE.  WE ENDED UP IN EASTERN KENTUCKY-DEEP INTO THE MOUNTAINS.  OH, WE HAVE GOTTEN EVERYTHING WE ASKED FOR...........MORE TIME FOR OURSELVES, A BIGGER HOUSE- ALL TO OURSELVES, AN EASIER MINISTRY.........OR SO, YOU WOULD THINK EASIER.  BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR OR ASK FOR! 

IT CAN BE A LONG LONELY ROAD.  SO TODAY I AM REMINDED GOD IS STILL GOD REGARDLESS OF OUR "QUICK" AND NOT ALWAYS "RIGHT" DECISIONS!

YES, TODAY WE ARE WHERE WE ARE BECAUSE OF OUR CHOICES.  SADLY, BECAUSE WE WERE JUST PLAIN WORE OUT!  THE CHOICES WE MAKE IN LIFE ALWAYS HAVE CONSEQUENCES!!!!!! ALWAYS!!!!!!!

I HAVE LEARNED:

"IT IS NOT ALWAYS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE". 

"DO NOT MAKE MAJOR DECISIONS WHEN YOU ARE TIRED"

"GOD NEVER GROWS TIRED OR WEARY" ISAIAH 40:28

"I AND MY HUSBAND ARE PEOPLE WHO ENJOY A CHALLENGE".

"FAITH IS LIVING LIFE REALIZING ONLY GOD HOLDS TOMORROW-NOT US"

"GOD CALLS ALL OF US TO A CERTAIN NATION OF PEOPLE AND THAT IS WHERE YOU NEED TO SERVE"

"GOD HAS A PLACE FOR EVERYONE AND THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR THAT PLACE!"

"I LOVE A BIBLE STUDY WHERE THE PEOPLE ARE "REAL" AND THE PROBLEMS ARE "REAL" AND GOD HAS THE "REAL" ANSWER"

"WE HAVE A GRACIOUS GOD-WHO LONGS TO LAVISH HIS GRACE UPON US"

HE "RISES" TO SHOW HIS COMPASSION TO US" ISAIAH 30:18

AND BECAUSE OF THAT.............

WE ARE A TRULY BLESSED PEOPLE!

THANK YOU LORD, THAT IN SPITE OF OUR CHOICES, YOU STILL CARE AND ARE WAITING TO DELIVER US!

TODAY, I AM TRULY BLESSED AND ANXIOUSLY AWAITING FOR WHAT GOD HAS IN STORE!

BE BLESSED AND HAVE JOYOUS DAY!