Misfits Welcome

I just love the story of Rudolph and the misfits toys. Maybe it is because most of my life I felt just like them. Being different from the rest of your family and friends makes it hard to feel you can ever fit in.

It wasn't until I grew up that God showed me that I do fit into his family of misfits. He created me just the way he wanted me to be. I did not have to be smart, strong or perfect. The welcome mat at His door has the words Misfits Welcome.

This is a family that I love being a part of. So all you misfits out there. God is calling and inviting you. Why? Because Misfits are always welcome in His home.

Toys R Us' Wren

Last night when I went into work I kept hearing a chirping sound. There is always some kind of odd noise happening in the store that I am unable to pinpoint the source. But the chirping seemed to come and go and be in different locations. I made it my mission to find out what was causing the sound.

As I made my way to the back of the store something small and brown flew over my head. It was a wren. I felt sorry for the poor little fellow and decided to help it. So I went out to my car and got some bird seeds. I hoped to persuaded the bird to trust me so that I could help him escape. But it flew away further into the store.

When it flew away I prayed to God to tell the bird that I was not out to harm him but to save him.

How often do we wish that our own family and friends could understand that Jesus is not out to harm then but to help them. But just like the wren they flew away afraid of the very person who will save them.

My prayer today is that my loves one hearts are open to the saving grace of Jesus.

Treasures

What do you treasure? Is it that special moment with your family? Is it that gift you got from someone special? How about that homemade gift that your child made just for you? Maybe it is just a memory that you hold onto that makes you smile. Whatever it may be it tells a lot about who you are as a person.

As I gotten must older the things I once treasure has very little meaning to me now. Time with my family, friends and love ones fill me with warmth. Material things holds little importance to me. I would rather spend time with you talking about whatever is going on in your life.

I treasure my time with God as well. I can not make it through each day with out it. I think that is the thing I treasure the most.

Lights Up

Today I am going to get my Christmas lights on the tree. Over the weekend I hope to get my husband to put them on the outside. Every year I battle the entanglement of the lights.  I use a tester to find the one that refuses to light and replace it.

Once that is done I line the lights on the floor and attempt to put it on the tree with the help of my grandson and cat.

Just light the dogs trying to put their lights on the doghouse I will spend hours finding a good strand that works and get all tangled up with them as I put them on the tree.

But it will be all worth it when I flick the switch and all the lights glow.

The glow I want the most to shine this year is the one I receive from the love of Jesus. He has spend a lot of time trying to untangle my life and fix the bulbs that doesn't work so that when he flicks the switch I shine. Jesus is my source of light. I want it to glow brightly for Him.

My Favorite Cookie

My favorite all time cookie is the snicker doodle. When you first take it out of the oven piping hot it just melts in your mouth. I feel like I have died and gone to heaven.

Yet the cookie that I have the most fum with is the gingerbread man ones. With these cookies you can use your imagination and create works of art.

What is also fun this time of season it getting to enjoy all the many types of cookies. One way that I am doing it this year is by having a cookie exchange at my writer's group meeting.

Last year one of the member brought in cookies that were made with mashed potatoes. At first I was afraid to take a bite. But when I finally did it was like I had died and gone to heaven.

So what kind of cookies will you all be eating this year? Me! Every one that I can get my hands on.

Joy

There is this song that I use to listen to that tells you that  "Joy will come in the morning."
But these past few days the only joy that I am finding in the morning is when I can climb back into my bed after getting my grandson off to school.
I am not young anymore and working late and having to wake up early when I don't sleep well has made morning a chore.
Yet I still find the joy of the Lord when I refocus my thoughts on Him. Jesus is where my joy comes from when I am tired, warn out and deprived of a good night sleep.
This holiday season I need to remember what I am celebrating and allow the greatest Joy of all " Jesus" to fill my life.

Christmas Cardinal

My first thoughts if anyone ask me to name a Christmas Bird would be the cardinal. The bright red color bird is seen on greeting cards, as an ornament on a tree or some other type of Christmas decoration.

The red stands out against the green tree as well as on a cold winter day against the white snow. You can not miss them when you are walking among the trees and trails.

They are a common site through out the four seasons here in Harford County. When I go out to take pictures I can be sure that I will get at least one shot of the cardinal.

Yet I would not have it any other way. They are beautiful and I enjoy seeing them.

It would not seem like Christmas without the Christmas Cardinal.    

A Crabby Christmas

Do you ever feel like being crabby during the Christmas season?
When you work in retail you deal with a lot of crabby people. By the end of the day you become crabby yourself. It is easy to forget what Christmas is all about.
Than you hear about a police officer buying boots for a homeless man. This soften your heart.
Than you watch a video on Facebook where a group of people start singing Christmas hymns. A couple dressed like Joseph and Mary carrying a baby Jesus enters and the choir gets on their knees.
This year I plan on focusing my thoughts and eyes on the reason for the season. Jesus.
No Crabby Christmas for me.

A Find It Christmas Tree

 I love trying to find the items in the search and find books. Sometime the items are in plain sight and other times you really need to search every inch to find the object.
So I thought it was kind of cool to use a Christmas tree to hide the objects to find. What a nice way to get the kids involved with the Christmas Spirit.
This would be a nice project that the while family could get caught up in. Have the children pick or make the things to hide on the tree. Than create a book and take turn finding the hidden ornaments.
This year I plan on doing just this. I might make it a Christmas tradition if it works out.  

Sing It Out

Last night I was able to go to the annual Faith Circle Christmas Party. There was plenty of food, fellowship and entertainment.
One of the highlights of the night was when the group got to sing The Twelve Days of Christmas. Each of us were giving a day to sing out when it was our turn.
My friend Barbara was giving two, but boy did she sing them out. Two turtle doves rang out each time that part of the song came around. Barbara made the song fun and interesting because she was not afraid to sing it out.
How interesting could we make living the Christian's life if we were not afraid to sing it out? How many other would join in the choir because we it fun and interesting?
I'm for one want to sing it out loud and clear. I am a Christian, a child of God and Jesus is my Savior.