The Man's Opinion

My husband, the Man is of the opinion the world is not ready for an decaffeinated Annette - EVER. I wake up much earlier than he does most days, dutifully drink a couple cups of coffee so that I can make a serious attempt at not hating the morning and be nice to him when he awakes. I've also been accused of not being with it the 1st hour I am awake. Yesterday the theory was proven fact when I tossed spinach, blackberries, blueberries, and cranberries into the blender but failed to put in the blade 1st. Thankfully I noticed it before I pressed pulse.

If we are not careful, we can "sleep walk" through our spiritual life as well. We may not engage our brain, we may be stuck in a spiritual rut, we may be so worn down with grief, anxiety, or _______(fill in the blank)autopilot seems like the only way to proceed.

I encourage you to take a spiritual inventory as we close out 2013. Are you dealing with your problems in a spiritually healthy way or are you stuffing them down? Do you need to jump start your time in the Word? Is your Bible Study bland, dry, or not edifying an any way?

Take a look ladies, let 2014 be the year we truly grow in Christ - living out His Word in love with boldness and without a trace of self-righteous, holier than thou, and or Pharisee in us.

I pray celebrating the birth of Christ brings joy no matter the circumstances you are facing at this time.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Shining Star

The other day I came across a card Kathleen gave me when I was 12 years old. She wrote encouraging words concerning how well I danced my duet "Icy Wind" with Sally in the Wizard of Oz. She was cast as the Wicked Witch of the West. Dance wise - perfect for the part - personality wise - not so much!

That was Kathleen through and through - someone who encouraged others. Her legacy in the dance world is numerous dancers who still love her dearly and still perform or teach themselves.

I am thankful for the 40 years she was a part of my life, I won't lie - I would love another 40 years.

I will always remember her dancing as well as her smile and laugh.

She has been a light in my life through thick and thin, a shining star.

I love you Kathleen and look forward to the day I join you dancing on golden streets.

The next time I eat at Cafe Adobe, I will think about the time you asked me to pray and mentioned after the prayer I didn't ask the Lord to bless the food and I remarked I didn't have enough nerve to ask Him to bless spinach enchiladas and queso. You laughed so hard you cried.

Thank You Lord for the gift of Kathleen.

I Didn't Know She Smoked

Over the last month, many people have contacted me for information because they want to help a mutual friend who was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer which spread to her lungs, bones, and brain. I am amazed at the number of people who asked how long she smoked or when did she quit smoking? Hello people...she never smoked - it is breast cancer which spread. And does it matter anyway? She is our friend and is very ill and could use help and prayer.

I've spent considerable time praying for forgiveness because I harbored very angry thoughts and feelings toward a few people.

We reap what we sow which leads me to believe I am reaping annoying words because I have sowed many words that were less than Christ like in my life which happens when one has a big mouth and has spent decades talking when perhaps I did not need to talk and should have listened. I could even spin it - I told Susie Q what I thought in truth and love.

My friend Norma Dearing (author of an excellent book The Healing Touch) reminded me years ago - we have 1 mouth and 2 ears, speak less and listen more. I am doing much better in that regard. Let's face it, most people are not asking for us to solve their problem when they tell us their story, they want someone to listen.

As Advent progresses, I hope to spend more time listening than talking.