Thursday, December 22, 2011

Thunder, Lightning, Rain

As I type, I hear the sound of rain falling mixed with thunder and see vivid flashes of lighting. I want to return to bed while I sip coffee but that would wake the man up about an hour early and we don't want that.

Much of Texas is experiencing a drought which began in 2010 and continues today. My area has received a little rain over the last few weeks after a summer of no rain and record breaking heat. "Experts" say the drought will last for years. The Farmer's Almanac says we will have a mild, wet winter. Since 660 million trees in the greater Houston area died and more are dying, I continue to pray for rain and wonder if the Farmer's Almanac is accurate.

When we skip time in the Word and or prayer, we become like a tree in a drought. Our roots are deep and will sustain us for a while, but we need time in the Word and prayer to keep us healthy and growing in the Lord.

If you feel overwhelmed by the demands of the Christmas season, take a little time, breath and open your Bible and spend time with the Lord.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Merry Christmas...

Monday, December 5, 2011

entre le boeuf et l'âne gris

Memories of Christmases Past

Funny how something from long ago pops into our heads out of the clear and the blue. I was reading the Houston Chronicle when suddenly from nowhere a French Christmas Carol popped into my head. I learned it in 5th grade which was a very LONG time ago.

Entre le boeuf et l'ane gris,
Dort, dort, dort le petit fils,
Mille anges divins, mille séraphins,
Volent alentour de ce grand Dieu d'amour

Between the ox and the gray ass, Sleeps, sleeps, sleeps the small son, Thousand divine angels, thousand seraphim , Fly around this great God of love...(I think I translated correctly.)

I am thankful most of my memories from Christmases past are about family, fellowship, and music. I remember receiving wonderful gifts along the way, but the memories of Crissy Dolls, Creepy Crawlers, and bicycles pale in comparison to time spent in laughter with loved ones, sharing meals with extended family and singing Christmas Carols.

I am thankful for Christmas memories to come. I pray your Christmas is filled with peace, joy, and love.

Car un enfant nous est né, un fils nous est donné, Et la domination reposera sur son épaule; On l'appellera Admirable, Conseiller, Dieu puissant, Père éternel, Prince de la paix.

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.