Listen to This...

Wise words from a sweet, little cowboy...

http://ktisblog.skylightradio.org/main/2007/12/21/logan-the-nebraska-cowboy/

Merry Christmas

Well, this past weekend was supposed to be my side of the family's Christmas Celebration. It was to be the first Christmas my brother, sister, mom, dad, and I were all together for Christmas in over 20 years. I am sad to report that a snowstorm put a stop to our plans.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Snow, it did! We are now living in a winter wonderland! It is beautiful!!! My kids have been waiting for a White Christmas!

We went to Mom & Dad's anyways. What a wonderful retreat. Time stopped for a moment. We laughed a lot, played a lot, and enjoyed life without cell phones, deadlines, or commitments. It was a treat that this Mom needed quite a bit!

We will attempt the Christmas Celebration again next weekend. Hopefully the roads will be safe for travel. As sad as I was about the cancellation, I am now a bit rested, and thankful for some playtime with my kids. God knew what I needed!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!!!

Mr. Knight

I'm not sure if I've shared this story before. If not, I am excited to tell it; if so, it bears repeating.

A couple of years ago, when we hooked up our first home computer, I was listening to some great music. You see, I live in a small town, and the radio station selection is quite limited! I was absolutely thrilled to find Jukebox on my brand new computer! So, as I was searching through Neil Diamond songs (huge fan), I came across Porcupine Pie. Never heard of it? Not surprising... Neil sings about vanilla soup with fruity blue cheese and your hands turning green. I don't believe it was ever on Casey Kasam's Top Forty. Let me tell you though, it was on the top ten list in Mr. Knight's 6th Grade Class at Cedarcrest Elementary! That song, as well as others by Three Dog Night and CCR, were taught to us by our super cool teacher. There are so many songs that transport me back to that class. Mr. Knight was my favorite teacher of all times.

As I was going down Memory Lane in my kitchen, the thought came to me that I really should let Mr. Knight know just how great he was to a 12 year-old girl in his class. I sat down right then and there, and wrote him a letter. I thanked him for being the best teacher I ever had, and filled him in a bit on my life. I signed it with hopes that he would be happy to receive it, and left my new Email address on the bottom, anxiously awaiting for a reply.

A couple of weeks had passed. There were many days I rushed to check my Email in hopes that I would find "Mr. Knight" in the sender box. Oh well, I thought... at least he now knew he meant a lot to me.

Well, let me tell you... one day, there, in the sender box, was his name! I was jumping up and down in my kitchen, thrilled to death! (By the way, have I ever told you my husband thinks I'm a complete nerd? He does love me for my nerdy ways though!) Anyway, listen to this. Mr. Knight wrote that he was driving down the road one day, when out of the blue, started thinking of a student he had many years ago at Cedarcrest Elementary, named Lisa!! (me) He couldn't remember her last name. TWO DAYS LATER, my letter arrived!!! He saw that it was addressed to "Mr. Knight," and didn't even have to look at the return address; he immediately knew it was from me! (It took a little longer than usual to arrive, since he had moved.)

So, now we meet every summer for coffee. I look forward to our coffee chats so much! I am so glad I listened to God's whisper that day in my kitchen, while listening to Porcupine Pie. Has God whispered something in your heart lately? Is there a special person that needs to know what an impact they have made in your life? Tell them! Don't be afraid; everyone wants to feel needed and important!

Mary Did You Know?

Mary Did You Know?

by Mark Lowry

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?

Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?

This child that you delivered will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with His hand?

Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?

When you kiss your little baby, you've kissed the face of God.

Mary, did you know?

The blind will see

The deaf will hear

The dead will live again

The lame will leap

The dumb will speak

The praises of the Lamb

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rules the nations?

Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect lamb?

This sleeping child you're holding is The Great I Am.

Family

A couple of months ago, I had the privilege of surprising my best friend Lisa, on her 40th birthday. She had no idea I was coming; I got to come up from behind at the restaurant, and cover her eyes. What fun! It was a moment I will never forget.

I ended up at her house for coffee, and was invited to stay for dinner. I had talked to her husband Steve, earlier in the week, and knew that they were planning a special dinner that night, since she was leaving for Florida a couple of days later. I really did not want to impose on their family celebration, so I cornered Steve when he got home from work. I let him know how strongly I felt about not wanting to impose. His immediate reply was, "No, your staying. You're family."

It brings tears to my eyes as I am typing this. "You're family." What a tremendous gift those words were. I've known Lisa for about 25 years; I can't imagine life without her. It's a long story, but Lisa and Steve met because of Steve's best friend, Curt, and me. We have history. History is a good thing, but the bond of friendship that crosses over to "family" is a gift from God. I thank God for Lisa and Steve, and pray that they will be blessed abundantly.

Do you have a friend that is as close to you as a sister or brother? Let them know... it will bless them beyond measure.

Merry Christmas.

Cookies

Here's a cookie recipe that is sure to make you laugh. I received it via Email, but do not know who the author is. Enjoy, but do not attempt to make!

Jose Cuervo Christmas Cookies

1 cup water

1 tsp. baking soda

1 cup sugar

1 tsp. salt

1 cup brown sugar

Juice of one lemon

1 cup nuts

2 cups dried fruit

1 bottle Jose Cuervo Tequila

Sample the Cuervo to check quality. Take a large bowl, check the Cuervo again to be sure it is of the highest quality; pour one level cup and drink.

Turn on the electric mixer... Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl.

Add one teaspoon of sugar. Beat again. At this point it's best to make sure the Cuervo is still okay, try another cup... just in case.

Turn off the mixerer thingy. Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl. Chuck in the cup of dried fruit. Pick the frigging fruit off the floor.

Mix on the turner. If the fried druit gets stuck to the beaterers just pry it loose with a drewscriver. Sample the Cuervo to check for tonsisticity.

Next, sift two cups of salt, or something. Who gives a sheet. Check the Jose Cuervo. Now, shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts. Add one table. Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can find. Greash the oven.

Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over. Don't forget to beat off the turner. Finally, throw the bowl through the window, finish the Cose Juervo, and make sure to put the stove in the dishwasher.

Cherry Mistmas!

Words of the Wise...

Sorrow can be alleviated by good sleep, a bath and a glass of wine.

~Saint Thomas Aquinas

Little Discoveries

My little boy, who is four, has been quite vocal lately about his anatomy, and just what it is up to... much to the horror of my teenagers. As embarrassing as it is however, they must admit it is usually quite funny.

After his latest observation, I decided that I needed to address an issue. "Son, when you are at preschool, you cannot talk about your penis."

In a sing-songy voice full of attitude, he replied, "I know Mom! I don't! No one even knows I have one because I hide it in my pants!"

All righty then... who can argue with that? As far as I am concerned, he can keep it hidden... until he is 30!

ABC's

Last night at the dinner table, my 3 year-old was asked if she could say the ABC's backwards, such as ZYX, and so on. Without any hesitation, she said, "Yes!," and quickly got off of her chair. She started walking backwards, "ABCDEFG...." We all burst out laughing. I asked my kids if they had taught her that. No, they hadn't... you just have to be quick witted when you're the youngest of four!