GREAT CONJUNCTION!

Tonight's the night for the "Great Conjunction" of Jupiter and Saturn. A winter solstice for our viewing.

In our city look toward the south west after sunset and before 7PM.

In our New Yorkers' city I loved the photo alluding to  the Christmas star. (Thx NBC)

Look closely! Grandson O's shot might be a little harder to see but it's legit of both planets.....as it shows what the naked eye saw in our neck of the woods.

A Great Family event seeing the Great Conjunction together!

Advent 2020

Oh Happy Day!

PONDERING PERTINENT PREPOSITIONS

Two days, ago as I awaited my hubby's outpatient cataract surgery, I opened the DTS Advent story sent by Allen Bible Church. 

It was just what I needed. Of course it was!

Dr. Charles W. Dickens, DTS Professor had me at the timely title.

"IT MIGHT BE THE BEST OF TIMES OR THE WORST OF TIMES BUT GOD IS WITH US."

Doesn't that sound like 2020!

After the title, prepositions along the line of "with-ness" theology started jumping out at me.

• WITH is more than near or close. God's people understand this "with-ness. 
• A "with-us" quality of God that is a believer's indicator OF hope FOR the future. 
• Think, "VICTORY IN JESUS" and FOR hope of survival during these difficult times.

Emmanuel, God with us is the One who gives us a future and a hope! (Colossians 1:27)

PATHWAYS TO PEACE

Not only have I continued to ponder "path" options in life. I have realized that I am seeking peace.....in a nation that these days seem to be without peace. As a "type A" planner......am I seeking God's way or mine.

Journal jottings from this morning show the path that leads to me peace. 

Its not my path but His for me---Imagine that!!!

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you aa the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

Peace is an inner treasure that all my planning cannot accomplish. 

For His path of peace in my life, I need to keep my focus on the One who is my peace. 

(His) Presence = Promise and Protection....

His Promise and Protection = Peace!

STOCKINGS WERE HUNG...................2020

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care......

.......but this year no grands will even be there!

2020 has had its restrictions! COVID has given us a Thanksgiving for two and now we prepare for a Christmas for two. 

2 is 15 too few!

Proverbs 17:6a says it well, "Grandchildren are the crown of the elderly."

Grandchildren together number 9. 

Nine stockings all in a line.

 "May you live to enjoy your grandchildren." (Psalm 128:6)

Why would you hang their stockings, some would say.......

Especially if you know they won't be coming your way?"

 A grandchild fills a space in your heart that you never knew was empty. (unknown)

The stockings may remain empty but seeing them refills my heart everyday!

A GIFT IS GIVEN: FROM THE CRADLE TO THE CROSS

Preparing for Christmas it's easy to focus on the warmness of the manger and the coming of baby Jesus.

However, just a few days ago we passed this roadside cross -- a big reminder of why God sent His Son. For us.

From the roadside cross to the front yard manger, compliments of Adam Templeton, the two together are the best reminder of John 3:16. 

His love for us!

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (NIV)

Eternal life is the BEST gift ever given.

joy......Joy......JOY!

Struggling lately. Depressed spirit. Enveloped by a pall of sadness and grief.

Lethargy looms.

Knowing joy is a choice.......guilt ensued.

Joy is a by-product of an attitude of gratitude.

I had taken off my dance shoes. 

The Bible is a book of joy! (Deuteronomy 16:15)

Exercise needed. More time in His Word. (Psalm 94:19) D.

Acceptance. Keep on keeping on. (Philippians 4:4) A.

Fulness of Joy RX. (Psalm 16:11, I Thessalonians 5:16-18) 

Don't lose hope. (Romans 12:12) N.

Consolations from friends. (Psalm 94:19) Thanks, Dixie! C.

I need to find my D.A.N.C.E. shoes. E. 

Exercise joy.....Joy.....until it gets to JOY!----

                            my basic "barre exercise" for abunDANCE. 

NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY

National Adoption Day.

A day to celebrate. 

That is so true for our family. 

Book was one of "his" first words.

When he would "empty" his bookshelf, we called him our circulation librarian. 

Nowadays his books are everywhere. He chooses the ones he wants to read or for you to read to him.

Books at bedtime are essential and sometimes he wants to help the experience! Now you can enjoy that experience. I bet it will make you smile.

ELECTION 2020!

The election is over. The results are in.

Our "choice" won.

Our granddaughter won! She was elected vice-president of her school and she's only in the 4th grade.

Proverbs 17:6 says it well. "Grandchildren are the crown of the aged."

IMPORTANT INFINITIVES

Today's morning devotional, All to Jesus, (Day 301) listed verses in Proverbs dealing with word usage and speech patterns. 

Author, Robert Morgan, listed 3 infinitives:

1. to shut up (Proverbs 10:19) There are definitely times we need to close our mouths. In 2020, My One Word has been "listen." I have learned, sometimes the hard way, the necessity of listening in order to hear from others.
2. to build up (Hebrews 10:25b) Edification and encouragement are so needed especially this year of COVID & elections. Political ads tear one another down yet, God's word continues to remind us..."but encourage one another."
3. to speak up (Proverbs 31:8) "Speak up for the ones who have no voice." "Be prepared (in gentleness and respect) to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give an answer for the hope within you." (Hebrews 10:25b, my paraphrase) Two excellent times to choose to use your voice.

So there you have it----speech patterns from the Proverbs that give "important infinitives" for life.