"Christmas Is Over - Now What"

Please welcome Guest Blogger, Penelope Conway. Thank you for bein' my guest taday!

Christmas Spirit

Thanks ta' Yolanda M. Johnson-Bryant for sharin' her post on "The Spirit of Christmas" So honored ta' have ya'!

The Spirit of Christmas

By “That Literary Lady” Yolanda M. Johnson-Bryant

Oh, how I love this time of year. I get all giddy at the sight of Christmas decorations and the glistening of pretty lights. I would be remiss if I left out the joy of holiday music and lyrics about baby Jesus, red nosed reindeer and some portly guy who wears a red suit—who always seems to know whether we’ve been bad or good. It warms the cockles of my very being.

"Christmas Wonder"

Thank ya' Stephanie Shott for bein' my Guest Blogger taday! Your post is a blessin'!

WONDER-ful

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Christmas Gift

Please welcome Deborah Bateman as my Guest Bogger taday! Thank ya' Deborah for this beautiful post!

Thank ya' Catherine Kingsbury for bein' my Guest Blogger taday! Please take a moment 'n read 'bout her Christmas Grace. 4th in a series of blog posts about Christmas.

 

 

 Grace of God -(n) (Christian theology) the free and unmerited favor or beneficence of God; "God's grace is manifested in the salvation of sinners"; "there but for the grace of God go I..." 

You hear the word bandied about all the time. Grace. It is a pretty popular word in the Christian vernacular. I've talked about it and sang about it all of my life but never really fully embraced the word or it's meaning until a few years ago. Looking back on my life now, I see grace not as a noun but as an active verb. A very present and absolutely incredible outpouring of God's perfect love at exactly the right time, almost always when I had nothing left to hang on to. Let me explain...

By now, everyone knows that my childhood was less than ideal. Join the club, right? Well, like a lot of other children in difficult family situations, fear was an oppressive and constant occupant of my thought life. I was always on alert for the winds of unrest to begin brewing and for the inevitable storms that almost always followed. Unfortunately, as a young adult, I began experiencing tempests of my own creation. History repeating itself, or something like that. I was a maker of messes in my own life and in the lives of others. Not something I'm particularly proud of. But, God, being God, had always had other plans for me. I was saved by grace. Again and again.

I didn't deserve it. None of us do. We pray for God to perform miracles and healing and to...well...perform. We go to Him in prayer with the words 'I want' or 'I need'. As if giving us life, a beautiful planet to sustain us and the ability to love one another were not enough. We want and need more. Much more. And He gives of Himself...endlessly pouring out more and more. Again...grace.

How does all of this relate to Christmas? Let me present my case...
When I was around eight or nine years old I truly believed that my mother hated me. Might have had something to do with the fact that she told me so...in a moment of irrational, alcoholic anger...and she apologized later...but once those words are expelled it is nearly impossible to remove them from your mind. I felt hopeless and unloved a lot in those days. It It was almost Christmas and one of my favorite pastimes was looking under the tree, counting my presents and shaking them, trying to figure out what was inside. That year? Nothing. Nada. It seemed to reinforce the fact that I was not loved or even thought of. And then Christmas finally arrived and after most of everyone's gifts were opened my mom got up and left the room. She returned, smiling mischievously, with a huge gift wrapped box. To my delight and amazement it was for me and inside were what seemed to be endless, individually wrapped presents my mother had selected just for me. As I opened each gift, each more thoughtful than the next, I had a revelation and I began to feel the love flowing back into me. I realized that day that though my mom had flaws, she loved me the best way that she knew how. I know in my spirit that God spoke into my mother's heart by His grace and helped her to show her love for me in such a way that no matter how bad things got between us later, I never doubted her love for me again. Only God would know how important that would be to me as time passed and the stormy years appeared on the horizon. That's what is so beautiful about grace. It is applied as a balm to the past, a blessing in the present time or even as a buffer for future events as God sees the need. I love Him so much for that!

The other story involves our struggle with infertility. Every Christmas, for several years, I prayed that God would send us a Christmas miracle (I want, I need) and that we would have the baby we were dreaming of. Every year that passed I felt more resolved to pray harder and believe bigger. That is the grace of God in action. There is no other way to describe the feeling of certainty during very trying times that by faith, through God's grace, we would have the family we wanted so much. I just knew it would happen and never gave up hope. After seven years of heartbreak and loss, fertility treatment, a succession of incredible mini-miracles and a move across the country, our baby Patrick was born on December 13th just in time for Christmas. God's grace was there to see us through. Our marriage and relationship was strengthened through the process, and two and a half years later we welcomed beautiful, healthy twin babies into our family. An amazing miracle indeed. Only God could have pulled off something like that!
To read the full story, click here: http://livinglikekingsburys.blogspot.com/2010/02/okay.html

The most obvious story of Christmas grace is, of course, the original one. He gave His only son as a sacrifice to atone for the sins and transgressions of a fallen world. He  knew what the price would be before the foundations of the world but He was willing to pay it. When there was nothing left to hang on to but fear, and the stormy messes created by sin had become a dangerous force. When there was only a hopeless desire for a love that was broken and lost. He saved the world with a gift of amazing grace that will never be surpassed. A baby that arrived just in time for Christmas. For God so loved the world that we once were lost but now are found. We were bound but now we're free. Jesus lives, He loves and He reigns, halleluia!
I rest my case.

Merry Christmas,

 

Cat

 

ABOUT ME

Catherine

I have been married to my best friend for 14 years. I am a stay home mom with 3 kids. My oldest son is 9 and I have twins, a boy and a girl who are 7. I enjoy volunteering at my children's schools and also sing on the worship team at Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. I do design consulting part-time and really enjoy working with friends and clients to enhance the beauty and atmosphere of their homes.

Christmas Love

　

I want ta' welcome Dolores Ayotte as my guest blogger taday! What a beautiful story! Ya'll will be blessed!

Christmas Peace

Tha’ word ‘peace’ is used a lot ‘n can mean different things like ‘Peace of mind’ ‘r ‘Bein’ at peace’ has ta’ do with calmness'r harmony in your life. ‘World Peace’ means freedom. So, when ya’ think of ‘Christmas Peace’, what does that mean?

Christmas Joy

Wonder why we hurry 'n scurry 'bout at this time of year? We know that Christmas is on December 25th every year, 'n yet there still seems ta' be so much ta' do 'n so little time ta' do it. By tha' time Christmas gets here, tha' joy's been sucked right out of it. How can ya' keep joy in your Christmas?

If Ya' Know God, Do Others Know It?

The most important thing is ta' know God!  If ya' truly know God, your heart won't be bitter, ya' handle decisions 'n hard times in a different way!

Blessin's of Givin' Thanks

A video Thanksgiving blog post. What Thanksgiving memories do you have? Would love for you to share in my comment section of my blog. Happy Thanksgiving!

Are Ya Walkin' In Joy?

Accordin' ta Webster's, tha' word joy means intense happiness. Bein' joyful is expressin' or feelin' joy.
What's your joy? What makes ya' feel joyful? For a Christian, joy is havin' a close relationship 'n fellowship with Jesus. It's havin' tha' Holy Spirit livin' inside ya'.

Fit for Faith!

My sister, Ditsy Lou is all 'bout stayin' fit. Last week we were at the gym workin' out. We lifted weights, rode tha' bicycle, 'n took a Zumba class. I stretched, tugged, 'n pulled things I didn't know I had. I did learn one thing - ya' can't walk on a treadmill in high heels! Stayin' physically fit is important. But so is stayin' fit for faith. We gotta' be strong ta' fight 'n stand for our faith!

Livin' Gods Word

Mamma has always read her Bible everyday. She's lived by Gods Word ever since I've known her. Ta' Mamma time spent in tha' Word was precious. Now, I'm not sayin' she's perfect, but it didn't matter that tha' clothes didn't get washed 'r tha' dishes put away, readin' her Bible came first.

Celebrate Freedom!

Daddy was a technical sergeant in WWII 'n knew first hand tha' price that was paid for freedom. He said that servin' his country was his duty. Daddy 'n Mamma were married while he was servi'n over seas, but their great faith in God kept 'em strong. Daddy never talk'd 'bout tha' war much 'cause he said it made it to real.

How Can We Be Bless'd?

Thanksgivin's comin' up. Always a time for family 'n friends ta' get tagether. Lots of eatin', talkin', 'n givin' thanks for our blessin's. What does God's Word say 'bout how we can blessed?

Have Ya Lost Your Song?

Are ya' weary in your faith? Has life changed your focus? Take heart 'cause God can give ya' a new song!

Here's Your Sign by Guest Blooger, Jean Bailey Robor

Welcome, Jean Bailey Robor! Thank ya' for bein' my guest blogger!

Jean Bailey Robor is an award-winning professional speaker and author of the increasingly popular She Has A Big ‘But’! Get Past Your Excuses & Realize Your Dreams. She has been a guest on The JoyStream TV and Conscious Discussions and hosts the blog talk radio show Celebrate Life! Jean speaks to church, civic and business organizations, encouraging others to live more joy-filled and successful lives through personal and professional growth.

An Encouragin' Word

Worldly disasters. Wars. Violence. Findin' jobs. Sometimes life can be more discouragin' than encouragin'. We need some words of encouragement!

Guest Blogger, Stephanie Shott, "Understanding What Matters Most"

Welcome Stephanie Shott!

Stephanie Shott is an international speaker, author of the new Bible study on Ecclesiastes, Understanding What Matters Most. She has appeared as a guest on various television and radio shows sharing hope for the hurting, rest for the weary and truth for all. As a speaker, she is part of a gifted team of communicators led by Kathi Lipp known as Speaker Chicks. As a writer, she has linked hearts and hands with Scripture Dig, a team of women dedicated to helping women grow in the Word of the Living God.

Waitin' Even When Ya Don't Like It video blog post

Waitin' can be one of tha' hardest things ta' do! We live in a hurry-it-up world. Everythin' has ta be instant. Done right now. But ya' know? Waitin' might be just what we need.

God Knows Tha Stars By Name-video blog post

Lookin' for a unique speaker who sings 'n tells stories?

Janet Harllee aka Mitsy Lou Puppernickel - her incredibly funny southern style humor, songs, 'n stories will make your event special 'n somethin' ta' remember!

Bookin' Info:

www.janetharllee.net

janet@janetharllee.net

Tha Feud Over Strawberry Jam

It's that time again for tha Pumpkin Growin', Jam Makin', Apple Pickin' Frog Holler Fall Festival. Everybody's real excited 'bout it. Even Aunt Sophie. She's won 1st place for her strawberry jam since I can remember. She's proud of it too! Until last year. That was when Myrtle May Bruberry, who thinks she has ta boil an egg for 20 minuets 'fore it's done, took tha honor away from Aunt Sophie. Now Aunt Sophie gets worked up over tha smallest thing. I remember when someone didn't put tha cover over tha butter dish. She got herself in such a state, she had ta take a nerve pill. You can imagine how she felt not winning tha jam contest!

How Can Ya' Have Strong Faith While Takin' Care Of Everyday Stuff?

Mamma's always been a strong woman with a great faith in God. She says that faith ain't all that complicated - there's a right road 'n a wrong road ta' travel. And if your road doesn't end with Jesus, then your life's all a waste. If your road's not pointed toward Jesus, it's pointed toward trouble. When ya' come ta' a crossroad in your life, which road will ya' take?

Waitin' On Tha Lord Livin' In Tha Fast Lane

Waitin' is one of tha hardest things for me ta do. We live in such a hurry taday. I see women puttin' on their blush 'n mascara as they drive ta work. Men talkin' on cell phones while readin' notes walkin' down tha street. Kids are bein' pulled by their parents ta hurry in ta school. Rush, rush, rush! There's no waitin' livin' in tha fast lane.

A Few Of My "A Word To Encourge The Soul" Quotes

Hope these quotes 'n videos will be encouragin' to ya. They are from tha Lord.

"The Lily Among Thorns", a story written by Marc Pranger

Thank ya Marc for sharin this beautiful story.

THE LILY AMONG THORNS

SONG OF SOLOMON 2: 1 – 2

I am a rose of Sharon, A lily of the valleys.

        Like a lily among thorns, is my darling among the maidens.

How To Walk In Victory!

Victory means ta win. All of us want ta be winners. I was in a race one time. Some people ran, others jogged, 'n then there were those like me who walked. I'm not as young as I used ta be so my pace wasn't quite as fast. People would pass me 'n pretty soon I was walkin' by myself. I wasn't tha winner, but I felt victorious 'cause I made it across tha finish line. 

A Treasured Relationship

Mamma has a shoebox full of memories. Inside she has me 'n my sister's first hair ribbons, a watch that Daddy got her, lots of pictures 'n little things that mean somethin' special ta her. She calls it her treasure chest. Do you have a treasure chest of special things?

How Are Your Roots Grounded?

Have ya ever noticed tha roots of an oak tree? They are awesome! Big, thick roots grow out from tha tree 'n more roots shoot out from them. I read that oak trees have a deep taproot that drinks in water 'n food for its other roots. Some of tha roots run 'bout 4' deep. As long as the root system doesn't get damaged, an old oak's roots keep tha tree standin' tall 'n firm. If somethin' happens ta 'em, tha tree may fall over.

Why Should You Guard Your Heart?

You've heard the sayings, "Home is where the heart is"; "Follow your heart"; "Have a heart". What's in your heart determines the direction of your life. If bitterness lives in your heart, you could be someone who is easily angered 'r allows tha bitterness ta turn ta hatred. You can have a new heart with Christ. One that's obedient ta His will. But if ya don't guard your new heart, it can easily go back to its old ways of being hardened 'n disobedient.

Becoming A New Person

When ya look in tha mirror, what do ya see? Ok, we all have our imperfections, but that's not what I'm talkin' 'bout. What kind of expression is on your face? Is it happiness or despair? Is it glowin' with a smile or is it sad?

Christians Are Salt 'n Light - What Does That Mean?

In tha south, it's all 'bout food. Mamma loves ta cook for people. She wants 'em ta have somethin' good ta eat. It takes tha right amount of spices 'n ingredients for tha flavor. Salt enhances how food tastes, 'n only slows decay if it stays pure.

How Can Ya Live In Today's World 'n Still Be Faithful Ta God?

Mamma says that tha world seems ta be gettin meaner these days. It's becomin a tougher world ta live in 'n believe in God. Are ya a Christian that loves 'n wants ta serve God, but still be a part of tha world?

What's Key In Your Life?

What's important ta you? For Christians, it's havin a relationship with God. His joy fills our life with happiness and contentment. But what happens when we allow tha world ta rob us of our joy?

God's Love On Tha Cross

Mamma was famous for her biscuits. She evn got a write up in tha paper. One of her God givn talents was cookn. Tha kitchn was her favorite place ta be. She lovd ta cook for people. Her joy was seein em eat 'n hearn em say how good it was. Ya could hear mamma singn one of tha old hymns as she cookd. She lovd The Old Rugged Cross.

God's Workn On Ya All Tha Time!

How is God workn in your life? Do ya want Him to? Just like what a potter does ta clay, God takes His time 'n molds 'n shapes us inta what He wants us ta be. It's so hard ta be patient! When I acceptd Jesus as my savior, I was ready, or thought I was, ta tackle whatevr He wantd me ta do. I've learnd that ya gotta live through some life experiences sometimes that prepares ya for tha work He has plannd.

Riden On Tha Waves of Life

My family goes evry year to Uncle Murray's & Aunt Sophie's beach place.  Ya know, evry time I'm at tha beach, I remembr, when we were little, Daddy takin' my sistr, Ditsy Lou, 'n I out ta ride tha waves. He held me in one arm 'n Ditsy Lou in tha othr. As long as Daddy was holdn me, I felt safe. We'd ride one wave in 'n then anothr 'n anothr. Aftr a while, Daddy decided ta go out, in tha ocen, a little furthr. It was goin well, 'til I felt somethn wrappn 'round my legs. All I could think of was - a snake. I startd hollern 'n tryn to get whatevr it was off! It's a wondr Daddy didn't drop me, but he held on ta me 'til tha next wave brought us in. He would not let go of me 'cause he knew what would happn if he did.

Where Are Ya in Your Faith?

What does faith mean anyway? Tha Hebrew word for faith is emunah mean'n "support". Now in tha Old Testament, it meant strongly relyn on God by holdn on to tha word of promise 'n bein reassurd for its fullfillment evn through hardships. Noah, Abraham, Esther, Martha, Hannah, 'n Job are just a few who had this kind 'a faith. But in tha New Testament, faith took on a deepr mean'n. It became an action that havn faith in God meant ta "support" Him.

Ya' Sink 'r Swim-2nd of 5 Tips On Stay'n Tha' Course (repost)

Surv'l Tip #2 Stay'n Tha' Course (repost)

When Your Faith Wav'rs & Ya' Feel Like Bait

So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there', and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you."

In case your just join'n us, in review so far, Surv'l Tip #1 was: While Tha' Tide Rises 'n Falls 'Round Ya' Feet - our focus must be on Jesus 'n not of tha' world. Now tip #2.

Remember tha' story that ya' heard grow'n up about tha' tortoise 'n tha' hare? Here's how Mamma told it:

Life Lessons from Daddy

I always felt safe with Daddy 'round. He could solve any problem 'n fix anyth'n. I rememb'r runn'n in tha house. When I start'd ta go outside, I hit tha storm door hard. Glass shatt'rd all ov'r tha porch 'n part of tha door got brok'n. Daddy hugg'd me 'n said, "Don't worry. I'm glad you're ok. I'll fix tha door." He took duct tape 'n put one piece from top ta' bottom on one side, then he took anoth'r piece 'n did tha same thing on tha oth'r side.

Mak'n A Joyful Noise

"Make a joyful noise (shout) to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing." Psalm 100: 1-2


One Sun'dy morn'n, a man came ta' visit our church. We were sing'n "When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder" 'n all of a sudd'n, we heard this loud pierc'n sound. Ev'rbody start'd look'n 'round. A few people at a time stopp'd sing'n, but tha' loud out-'a-tune noise kept on go'n. It was our visit'r with his eyes clos'd 'n sing'n ta' tha' top of his lungs. It was a voice only a Mamma could love.

Ev'rone stood there list'n ta' tha' man. He was so inta' sing'n praise ta' God, that he didn't realize he was tha' only one sing'n. Turn'd out that this person used ta' sing in a quartet. He got throat cancer 'n had surgery. The man said he miss'd sing'n like he used ta'. He appologiz'd for be'n so loud. Tha' preach'r said, "No need for that, 'cause ta' tha' Lord, your mak'n a joyful noise ta' Him."

I was remind'd of Psalm 100. Worship means adoration, love, respect, devotion, reverence. God wants us ta' worship 'n acknowledge Him with a joyful shout/noise - sing'n His praises! But mak'n a joyful noise can also mean the play'n of instruments. We praise Him through sing'n 'n clang'n symbols.

We are invit'd ta' experience joy in prais'n tha' Lord. He alone is God, the Creator. We are so lucky ta' be free ta' worship Him!

Things for ya' ta' think 'bout:

1. Do ya' truly worship God?

2. How do ya' experience mak'n a joyful noise? 'R are ya'?

Give us a heart ta' serve you more with gladness 'n thanksgiv'n. Lord help us ta' worship ya' with a joyful shout giv'n ya' all tha' praise, honor, 'n glory. You are worthy Lord. In tha' name of Jesus, amen.

Book Now!

Mitsy Lou's Christmas Concert "Christmas Through Story 'N Song"
Original songs 'n stories

www.janetharllee.net janet@janetharllee.net

336-672-5178

Lesson Learn'd From A Lemonade Stand

There's noth'n like a cold glass 'a lemonade on a hot summr's day. I rememb'r when Mamma help'd me put up a lemonade stand outside our house. She made a sign, "Lemonade 5 Cents A Cup".  She let me make tha' lemonade.  I was so excit'd! I squeez'd tha' lemons into a juicer, then poured tha' juice into a pitcher, 'n add'd wat'r 'n sug'r.  I set tha' pitch'r of lemonade with tha' cups on tha' table 'n put some ice in a cooler. I sold $5.00 worth right off tha' bat.

Tip #5 on Stay'n Tha' Course-When Ya' Cast Ur Net 'n Endure 'Til Vict'ry Comes

Surv'l Tip #5 When Ya' Cast Ur Net 'n Endure 'Til Vict'ry Comes

As Christians, God has commission'd us ta' go 'n tell oth'rs 'bout Him 'n His life. That's our purpose. I read somewh'r, we are ta' be fish'rs 'a men - we catch 'em, God'll clean 'em. We don't have ta' go out of tha' country ta' witness, we can witness right where we are - work, school, home, neighbors, etc. We testify ev'rday by words we say 'n by tha' way we live.

Tip #4 When Tha' Sharks 'A Life Attack Ya'

Surv'l Tip on Stay'n Tha' Course #4 When Tha' Sharks 'A Life Attack Ya'

We, as Christians, are ta' be Christ like in our walk, in our talk, in our day ta' day things we do. Satan is always ready ta' cause us ta' stumble. When someth'n good happ'ns ta' ya', it makes ya' feel good, don't it? That's when tha' devil usually makes his move. He uses pride, pleasure, 'n things of tha' world as a snare. You've heard tha' express'n, 'opportunity may knock only once' - temptation will never stop knock'n. My preacher calls it Spiritual Warfare. 

                                                  We're on tha' battlefield, but are we on tha' front lines?

Tip #3 When Ya' Swim Against Tha' Current & Find It Not Impossible

Surv'l Tip On Stay'n Tha' Course #3 When Ya' Swim Against Tha' Current & Find It Not Impossible

Mamma always says that life's all 'bout choices. God gives us tha' freedom ta' choose. Do ya' want ta' live a life that's fullfil'd, or do ya' want ta' live a life 'a try'n ta' keep up with tha' crowd?  Tha' Bible says that ya' can't serve tha' Lord 'n tha' world.

 How we react ta' our hard times is key. Wheth'r tha' issue is health, death of a lov'd one, loss of a job, someone hurt ya', ya' feel defeat'd, etc. Ya' know God didn't promise us that life would be easy 'n smooth. But our faith 'n hope is in His promise ta' go through it all with us. It's up ta' us if we want ta' complain 'bout ev'rthing or not. We decide what kind'a attitude we have.

Tha' Bible says:
Do all things without complaining and dusputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. Philippians 2:14-16

"Keeping Things in Perspective"

Author Unknown

Today we can complain because the weather is rainy or...

Be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free!

Today we can feel sad that we don't have more money or...

Be glad that our finances encourage us to plan our purchases

wisely and guide us away from waste!

Today we can grumble about our health or...

Rejoice that we are alive!

Today we can lament over all that our parents didn't

give us when we were growing up or...

Feel grateful that they allowed us to be born!

Today we can cry because roses have thorns or...

Celebrate that thorns have roses!

Today we can mourn our lack of friends or...

Excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships!

Today we can whine because we have to go to work or...

Shout for joy because we have a job to do!

Today we can complain because we have to go to school or...

Eagerly open our minds and fill up with rich new tidbits of knowledge!

Today we can murmur dejectedly because we have to do housework or...

Feel honored because the Lord has provided shelter for our minds, bodies and souls!

Today stretches ahead of us, waiting to be shaped, and here we are,

the sculptors who get to do the shaping.

What today will be like is up to us. We get to choose what kind of day we will have!

It's so easy ta' get discourag'd when ya' feel like your swim'n against tha' current. We need ta' rememb'r that God's still with us ev'n in tha' midst of our troubl's. It's not impossible with God.

James 1:2-4 Consider it all joy, my brethren when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Through our hard times, we'll receive spirit'l bless'ns 'cause they make us strong'r to be more helpful ta' other people; we have a strong'r relationship with God; our faith becomes strong'r.

God has giv'n us a choice. We can go through life with Him, or we can go through life without Him. He has giv'n us a choice to serve Him or tha' world.

Things for ya' ta' think 'bout:

1. Do ya' trust God enough that He'll see ya' through your hard times?

2. Do ya' want ya' life ta' be fullfilled by God or tha' world?

Lord, I pray that you'll help us ta' rememb'r that you are with us all tha' time - good 'n bad. Give us tha' strength ta' swim against tha' currents in our lives. Lord may our choice be ta' serve ya'. I pray your will be done. Thank ya' in tha' name a' Jesus, amen.



Ya' Sink 'r Swim-1st of 5 Survi'l Tips On Stay'n Tha' Course

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always aboundning in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58

Christian's, do ya' feel like sometimes you're in a fishbowl where all eyes are look'n in on ya'? Where instead a' feel'n confident in ya' faith, ya' feel more like bait? Where all ya' energy is spent tread'n water and you're one step away of goin'n belly up?

Top Ten Reasons Why I Cannot Live Without Prayer

Welcome guest blogger Mari-Anna Stalnacke   Thank ya' Mari-Anna, what 'a bless'n!

Top Ten Reasons Why I Cannot Live Without Prayer by Mari-Anna Stålnacke

I can’t live without prayer. I know some people rarely pray. They might even intellectually believe in the power of prayer but they don’t really practice it. Or they go through the motions of prayer but they don’t really believe in the power of prayer anyway. Somehow they can live without prayer just fine. But that’s not me. I can’t imagine going through one single day without praying. It is hard to explain why I can’t live without prayer but I will try. Here are my top ten reasons why I can’t live without prayer:

Thanks Mamma

Mamma always says that life is more like just a closer stumble with thee. As I get older, I understand what she means.

Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:25-27

Remember Mamma say'n, "Don't do that", "Wash your hands", "Ya' have ta' share", "Time ta' get up", "Look at me when I'm talk'n ta' ya'", "Say please 'n thank ya'", and this one was a classic, "Rememb'r who ya' are." If you're a Mamma now, bet your say'n tha' same things.

Is Your Faith Root'd Like Tha' Oak?

Mamma always says that life's more like just a closer stumble with Thee. As I get older, I understand what she means by that.

Paul said to tha' faithful in Christ who were in Colsse: As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7

Grow'n up I rememb'r this big oak tree in our back yard. My sister, Ditsy Lou, 'n I loved ta' play under it in tha' summer, 'cause it gave a lot 'a shade. When our cousins would visit, they'd ride their bicycl's 'round 'n 'round 'n 'round tha' tree. Sometimes they'd ride too close to it 'n scrap tha' tree with their bike ped'l. Ditsy Lou's first boyfriend carved a heart on tha' tree -

In Tha' Arms 'A Jesus

Mamma says that life sometimes is more like just a closer stumble with thee. Tha' old'r I get, tha' more I understand what she means. Like tha' Bible says, we are ta' be stepp'n stones n' not stumbl'n blocks.

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

What a comfort'n word from God. Sometimes when I'm stress'd 'n feel'n a heavyness on my shoulders, I forget ta' go ta' God. Instead I take on tha' task 'a work'n things out myself. Big mistake! Does this ever happen ta' ya'?

Tha' Crown, Victory Won!

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, It is finished: and He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost. John 19:30

Easter's in tha' spring 'a tha' year when flowr's 'n trees are bloom'n, grass is gett'n green, 'n everyth'n is new again. It's a fitt'n time, I'd say, ta' celebrate the death 'n ressurection 'a Jesus. At our church's Easter Pageant last year, Cousin Cletus was in charge 'a roll'n tha' stone away from tha' tomb. Tha' lights had just gone down. He start'd ta' roll tha' stone 'n it got loose. It roll'd over tha' feet 'a tha' people sitt'n on tha' front row. Ya' could hear people holler'n. All tha' people, who help'd with mov'n sets, had ta' wear black. When tha' lights came up again, there was Cousin Cletus sitt'n in front of tha' tomb - in his flannel underware. It was tha' only thing black he had ta' wear.

"Salt" Flav'rs Life

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. Matthew 5:13

My Daddy used ta' say that a steak didn't taste right without steak sauce. Anythin' he ate had to have some kind 'a season'n on it. He lov'd salt on his green beans. One time instead 'a salt, Mamma put sugar in tha' green beans. Daddy's face look'd like he was gonna' be sick and asked her what was wrong with 'em. Mamma wasn't too happy that he didn't like 'em.  She told him that he need'd 'a little sweet'n up so she used sugar instead 'a salt.

Short devotionals dipped with faith & sprinkl'd with a dose of humor by Mitsy Lou Puppernickel from Frog Holler, ta' encourage ya' ta' hang on ta' your faith in this ever-chang'n world

Mamma loves flow'rs. She loves spring! That's when she takes the flow'rs out that's been in tha' basement all wint'r 'n puts 'em outside. There are flowr's on the front porch, back porch, down the steps, 'n all along tha' top of tha' wall goin' down tha' driveway. 


We found out how seri's she was 'bout her flow'rs when Cous'n Ernie mow'd our yard. A bee buzz'd 'round his head. Cous'n Ernie was shak'n his head try'n ta' get rid of it. He wasn't look'n 'n mow'd down Mamma's row of Iris's. Mamma ran out 'n start'd flapp'n a towel 'round Cous'n Ernie's head. He thought she was try'n to get tha' bee. When she show'd him what he'd done, he ran off. It was a week 'fore we saw him agi'n.