Anyway by Martina McBride

Anyway by Martina McBride

You can spend your whole life building
something from nothing
one storm can come and blow it all away
Build it anyway

You can chase a dream
that seems so out of reach
and you know it might not ever come your way
Dream it anyway

God is great
But sometimes life ain't good
and when I pray
It doesn't always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
I do it anyway

This world's gone crazy
and it's hard to believe
that tomorrow will be better than today
Believe it anyway

You can love someone with all your heart
for all the right reasons
and in a moment they can choose to walk away
love 'em anyway

God is great
But sometimes life ain't good
when I pray
it doesn't always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
Yeah I do it anyway yeah

You can pour your soul out singin'
a song you believe in
that tomorrow they'll forget you ever sang
Sing it anyway
Yeah sing it anyway
Yeah yeah

I sing
I dream
I love
Anyway.
Yeah.

The Hand of Faith -Mid Week Epistole by Jim Massey

The Hand of Faith

One of my favorite preachers was Peter Marshall. He once wrote about God's hand of faith: "God speaks sometimes through our circumstances and guides us, closing doors as well as opening them. He will let you know what you must do, and what you must be. He is waiting for you to touch Him. The hand of faith is enough."

To many people today, we feel that God is reaching down to us as He sends His Son to be born as a baby in a manger in Bethlehem. But yet, when you go to Bethlehem, even that sacred spot, has been filled with struggle and despair as war rages between neighbors. People are fighting and filled with anger. How do you think He could change Bethlehem today? Did He change it in the time when Jesus was born?

Strangely enough, even in Bethlehem and Jerusalem, or where you are or anywhere in the world, God is still waiting for us to take His hand. He will not force us to accept Him, but He continually offers His love in a special way. The greatest way is by giving us the freedom to choose His love or reject it.

What do you need in your life today? Isn't it truly the power of God in a new and wonderful way? Then, reach out and take His hand of faith.

Loving Father, come into our hearts today. Touch everything that causes us to not hear Your voice as it speaks to our hearts. Clear away the blindness of our eyes so we can see Your miracles and grace all around us. Come to us as fresh as the love of the baby in the manger. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Next week is New Year’s and the beginning of 2007. What are you planning to accomplish that is great for God in the coming year. Join me next week and we will share another word together.

Hark the Harold Angel's Sing

What Kind of Methodist would I be if I did not include this tune by Charles Wesley, brother and friday to his Brother John Wesley, Founder of the Methodist Faith. It is also one of my favorite Christmas Hymns.

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Words By Charles Wesley, Music by Felix Mendelssohn

Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled."
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With th' angelic host proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem."
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King!

Christ, by highest heav'n adored:
Christ, the everlasting Lord;
Late in time behold him come,
Offspring of the favored one.
Veil'd in flesh, the Godhead see;
Hail, th'incarnate Deity:
Pleased, as man, with men to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel!
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King!

Hail! the heav'n-born Prince of peace!
Hail! the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
Risen with healing in his wings
Mild he lays his glory by,
Born that man no more may die:
Born to raise the sone of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King!

The First Noel

The First Noel.

The first Noel, the angel did say,
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep,
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the the East, beyond them far;
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued both day and night.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

And by the light of that same star,
Three wise men came from country far;
To seek for a King was their intent,
And to follow the star wherever it went.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

This star drew night to the northwest,
O'er Bethlehem it took its rest;
And there it did both stop and stay,
Right over the place where Jesus lay.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

Then entered in those wise men three,
Full reverently upon their knee;
And offered there in his presence,
Their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

How Do You Answer the Question? by Jim Massey

How Do You Answer the Question?

One of the most familiar phrases this time of year is "How Long?" We ask the sales clerk, "How long before that present will be wrapped?", or "How long before you get the next shipment in so I can buy this present for my child?" And you can even hear children saying, "How long before we can open the presents?", or "How long before we can go to a movie and have our friends come and visit?" No matter where we go, the question seems to follow us everywhere, "How long?"

This is not a seasonal question that has been developed for this time of year. Other questions have been asked that are even more profound: "How long must we suffer?", "How long must we wait for the Lord?"

In Hebrews the apostle Paul offers an answer: "For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, my soul has no pleasure in him." It is not a question of "how long?", but of our desire to be faithful to the Lord no matter when He chooses as His coming. Paul continues: "But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved." (Hebrews 10:37-39)

Holy Father, come into our hearts this day and find the true desire that is hidden there. Let us be willing to go to the world continually and tell the Good News of the One who is coming in the form of a tiny child. Let the strength of this faith grow in our lives this day. In the blessed name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Next week is Christmas and we pray that your family has a wonderful celebration of the birth of God’s Son. If your family is apart, know that God links them together in a special way and if you recognize that, your family will truly be blessed this year.

Join me next week when we share the blessing of the hand of God.

The Telephone Music Box

When I was a pre-teen I collected Music Boxes. They got lost in one of our moves...the same move that we did not get any of our stuff and the moving company kept it, when my mom couldnt pay them. That move also lost my Great Grandmothers Hutch. It was a bueatiful peace of furniture.

Anyway...The music box. It was a gift from my Stepdad. He got it for me because I used to talk so much on the phone...so for Christmas that year...he got me a telephone I so desperatly wanted. Only it was only a music real phone, just a music box. I loved that music box. It was a prized posession, and at that age I did not have many. But that music box was so special to me. Maybe because it came from my stepdad. He was more like a dad then my own dad had ever been. But more because it was a gift that showed, He knew who I was. He appreciated who I was.

I dont know why today of all days, I got to thinking about it. The only thing I collect these days is nativity sets and that is a rather new collection. I was always afraid in amove it would all get left behind again.

I hope they are not what gets lost in the next move.

Christmas is Coming

Johnna sang this in a Christmas program in 6th grade when we lived in Mechanicsburg PA. She went to school in Shermanstown...and this was one of thier songs from thier Christmas Program.

Tonight is my children's Christmas Program...we may not make it as they are both really coughing bad and Brianna got sent home from school. But I have been thinking about this song all day...it is an adaption from a nursery rhyme.

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat
Please to put a penny in the old man's hat
If you haven't got a penny, a ha'penny will do
If you haven't got a ha'penny then God bless you!

7 Year Olds and Things that Hurt

Yesterday, My son turned 7. And it has been a week at school. The thing I will remember about this place when I look behind it and run as fast as I can the other way is how only 2 children from the 35, He invited showed up. This is the most awful place ever. I am really disappointed in what I have found in people here. They have this way of being so rude, while being so nice about it.

There has not been much good about our life here, and I will not regret looking the other way and moving as fast as I can the opposite way as soon as I get the chance.

O COME, O COME, EMMANUEL

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.

Refrain

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
Who orderest all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.

Refrain

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory over the grave.

Refrain

O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.

Refrain

O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.

Refrain

O come, O come, great Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai’s height
In ancient times once gave the law
In cloud and majesty and awe.

Refrain

O come, Thou Root of Jesse’s tree,
An ensign of Thy people be;
Before Thee rulers silent fall;
All peoples on Thy mercy call.

Refrain

O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.

Refrain

Hallelujah Chorus (From Messiah)

In college the Hood Choirs and the USNA combined choirs sing the Messiah. I miss that time. It was an amazing experiance. I can not think of Christmastime without thinking back to that time.

To sing that piece of music in the USNA chapel...it is truely amazing. To be part of the music with a live orchestra and full choir with soloist added to it. Truely amazing.

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth
The Kingdom of this world is become the Kingdom of the Lord
And of His Christ and He shall reign forever and ever
King of Kings and Lord of Lords
And He shall reign forever and ever
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Mom's Letter To Santa

Dear Santa,

I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned, and cuddled my two children on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my doctor, sold 62 cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground, and figured out how to attach nine patches onto my daughter's Girl Scout sash with staples and a glue gun.

I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years.

Here are my Christmas wishes:

I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache after a day of chasing kids (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't flap in the breeze, but are strong enough to carry a screaming toddler out of the candy aisle in the grocery store. I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy.

If you're hauling big ticket items this year, I'd like a car with fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music; a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.

On the practical side, I could use a talking daughter doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, along with one potty-trained toddler, two kids who don't fight, and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools.

I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting, "Don't eat in the living room" and "Take your hands off your brother," because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.

And please don't forget the Playdoh Travel Pack, the stocking stuffer this year for mothers of preschoolers. It comes in three fluorescent colors and is guaranteed to crumble on any carpet making the In-laws' house seem just like mine.

If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.

If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely. It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family; or if my toddler didn't look so cute sneaking downstairs to eat contraband ice cream in his pajamas at midnight.

Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back. Have safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the chimney and come in and dry off by the fire so you don't catch cold.

Help yourself to cookies on the table, but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.

Yours Always,

Mom

Prayers for Sen Johnson

Many prayers are going up for Sen Tim Johnson of South Dakota.

There is no partisian politics here. I feel so bad for this man's wife and children and young grandchildren. May God hold them in His mighty Hand. Hopefully, Sen Johnson will have a very speedy recovery.

My name is Christmas Carol

I love this song... So I am making it the Christmas song of the day... If you click HERE you can hear it.

I was playing Santa Clause downtown on Christmas Eve,

when a little girl of 3 or 4 climbed up onto my knee,

I could tell she had a Christmas wish behind those eyes of blue,

so I ask her what's your name and what can Santa do for you?



She said my name is Christmas Carol, I was born on Christmas Day.

I don't know who my daddy is and mommy's gone away.

All I want for Christmas is someone to take me home!

Does anybody want a Christmas Carol of their own?



Well all that I could say was Santa would do the best he could.

Then I sat her down and told her now remember to be to be good.

She said "I will" then walked away, turned to wave good-bye.

And I'm glad she wasn't close enough to see Ole Santa cry!



She said my name is Christmas Carol, I was born on Christmas Day.

I don't know who my daddy is and mommy's gone away.

All I want for Christmas is someone to take me home!

Does anybody want a Christmas Carol of their own?



Early Christmas morning I got up and dialed the phone.

I made a few arrangements at the County Children's home.

They told me it would be alright to pick her up today.

Now my little Christmas Carol won't ever have to say,



She said my name is Christmas Carol, I was born on Christmas Day.

I don't know who my daddy is and mommy's gone away.

All I want for Christmas is someone to take me home!

Does anybody want a Christmas Carol of their own?


WELL MERRY CHRISTMAS CAROL,

I LOVE YOU, WELCOME HOME

Carol of the Bells

Carol of the Bells

Hark how the bells,
sweet silver bells,
all seem to say,
throw cares away

Christmas is here,
bringing good cheer,
to young and old,
meek and the bold,

Ding dong ding dong
that is their song
with joyful ring
all caroling

One seems to hear
words of good cheer
from everywhere
filling the air

Oh how they pound,
raising the sound,
o'er hill and dale,
telling their tale,

Gaily they ring
while people sing
songs of good cheer,
Christmas is here,

Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas,
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas,
On on they send,
on without end,
their joyful tone
to every home
Dong Ding dong ding... dong! Bong!

Rich Is What You Have Beside You -Mid Week Epistole by Jim Massey

Rich Is What You Have Beside You

The story is told about four young American soldiers who had been on the front lines of battle for some time in World War II. They were sent back away from the fighting to a small French village for a little R & R. When they arrived safely in the village, they suddenly realized that it was Christmas Eve and they began to discuss how they would like to spend Christmas. They had passed an orphanage on the way into town and they decided they would like to be with the children on this special day. So they went out and bought all kinds of toys and candy and clothing, food and books and games, and early the next morning, they showed up at the front door of the orphanage with wonderful Christmas presents for all the children.

The orphanage director was pleased and all the children were delighted as they opened their gifts. All the children that is, except for one little girl who stood quietly off to the side. She appeared to be 5 or 6 years old and her face looked so very sad. One of the American soldiers noticed that she was not participating, and he asked the orphanage director about the little girl. “O, bless her heart,” said the director, “We just got her last week. Both of her parents were killed in a car wreck. There was no one to take her in, so we brought her here.”

The soldier went over to the little girl and gently said to her, “Its Christmas morning and we have wonderful Christmas presents here: toys, clothes, candy, food, books, and puzzles. Which would you like? What do you want most for Christmas?” And the little girl said, “I want somebody to hold me.”

God understood that need then just as He does now. He cares so much that He sent His Son Jesus to be in the manger so He could hold us in His loving care today and forever. All we need to do is come to the manger and look into the loving eyes of God and we will know that He has held our hearts in a special way.

Holy Father, as we near the manger today we hesitate to look inside because we might feel unworthy of your Holy love. We might feel the need to explain the pain and sadness in our hearts and do not want you to see the tears that are welling up inside. It is when we take the first step that we begin the journey to free our souls from the pains of the past. It is at the manger and at the foot of the cross that we finally understand the depth of Your Holy Grace. Bid us come to You, O God, and we will know peace. In the blessed name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me again next week as we draw closer to the birth of Jesus.

Abu Ghraib/60 Mins & How MUCH I HATE THE MEDIA

My hometown gets on national TV and it is so terrible... Not that any of the Abu Ghraib stuff has been good for Cumberland. it is kind of funny in a sad way..Jack Abromoff goes to jail in cumberland and the abu Ghraib scandel is centered around a military police unit from the area. Always bad stuff.

The VFW person... a childhood friend. I have known Colin since ....well i was born. They lived across the street one house up. Colin is a good guy. He is not the evil SOB 60 mins makes him out to be. And Cumberland is not the Evil place full of hateful rednecks they make it out to be. Why does the media do this? I have more thoughts on this..but I am wondering if anyone else watched this.

Is the media really making it seem so terrible..or am i over sensitive because these are people I know and care about and a hometown I love? They make the people there seem like they are gonna blow the guys head off because they do not agree with the way he went about doing things...argh.

Click Here and

Mary Did you Know

MARK LOWRY | Mary Did You Know

Mary did you know that your baby boy would some day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby boy would give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when your kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

Oh Mary did you know---

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb---.

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the great--I--- AM---.

Moby's Small Town Soap Box--THE SANDS OF CHRISTMAS

I was fixing my kids lunches this morning, as I listened to the radio. The channel listen to plays Moby in the Morning...and well..His small town soap box just really got to me this morning. I wanted to share it here too..
http://www.mobyinthemorning.com/soapbox.cfm

THE SANDS OF CHRISTMAS

I had no Christmas spirit when I breathed a weary sigh;
And looked across the table where the bills were piled too high.
The laundry wasn't finished and the car I had to fix;
My stocks were down another point, the Chargers lost by six.



And so with only minutes till my son got home from school;
I gave up on the drudgery and grabbed a wooden stool.
The burdens that I carried were about all I could take;
And so I flipped the TV on to catch a little break.



I came upon a desert scene in shades of tan and rust;
No snowflakes hung upon the wind, just clouds of swirling dust.
And where the reindeer should have stood before a laden sleigh;
Eight Humvees ran a column right behind an M1A.



A group of boys walked past the tank, not one was past his teens;
Their eyes were hard as polished flint, their faces drawn and lean.
They walked the street in armor with their rifles shouldered tight;
Their dearest wish for Christmas, just to have a silent night.



Other soldiers gathered, hunkered down against the wind;
To share a scrap of mail and dreams of going home again.
There wasn't much at all to put their lonely hearts at ease;
They had no Christmas turkey, just a pack of MRE's.



They didn't have a garland or a stocking I could see;
They didn't need an ornament--they had no Christmas tree.
They didn't have a present even though it was tradition;
The only boxes I could see were labeled "ammunition."



I felt a little tug and found my son now by my side;
He asked what it was I feared, why it was I cried.
I swept him up into my arms and held him oh so near;
And kissed him on his forehead as I whispered in his ear.



There's nothing wrong my little son, for safe we sleep tonight;
Our heros stand on foreign land to give us all that right.
To worry on the things in life that mean nothing at all;
Instead of wondering if we will be the next to fall.



He looked at me as children do and said it's always right;
To thank the ones who help us and perhaps that we should write.
And so we pushed aside the bills and sat to draft a note;
To thank the many far from home, and this is what we wrote.



GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND KEEP YOU SAFE, AND SPEED YOUR WAY BACK HOME; REMEMBER THAT WE LOVE YOU SO, AND THAT YOU'RE NOT ALONE.

THE GIFT YOU GIVE YOU SHARE WITH ALL, A PRESENT EVERY DAY;
YOU GIVE THE GIFT OF LIBERTY AND THAT WE CAN'T REPAY.

The Friendly Beasts

A few years back, the kids sang this song for Christmas in front of the church. Such a wonderful song to mark the season.

The Friendly Beasts

Jesus our brother, kind and good
Was humbly born in a stable rude
And the friendly beasts around Him stood
Jesus our brother, kind and good.

"I," said the donkey, shaggy and brown,
"I carried His mother up hill and down;
I carried her safely to Bethlehem town."
"I," said the donkey, shaggy and brown.

"I," said the cow, all white and red
"I gave Him my manger for a bed;
I gave Him my hay to pillow His head."
"I," said the cow, all white and red.

"I," said the sheep with curly horn,
"I gave Him my wool for His blanket warm;
He wore my coat on Christmas morn."
"I," said the sheep with curly horn.

"I," said the dove from the rafters high,
"Cooed Him to sleep that He should not cry;
We cooed Him to sleep, my mate and I."
"I," said the dove from the rafters high.

"I," said the camel, yellow and black,
"Over the desert, upon my back,
I brought Him a gift in the Wise Men's pack."
"I," said the camel, yellow and black.

Thus every beast by some good spell
In the stable dark was glad to tell
Of the gift he gave Emmanuel,
The gift he gave Emmanuel.

The Twelve Days of Christmas

Brian has to sing this song tomorrow at his regional meeting. All new GM's for this region have to sing it. So, I thought I would post it tonight.

The Twelve Days of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
A partridge in a pear tree.

On the second day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the third day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Three french hens,
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Four calling birds,
Three french hens,
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Five golden rings!
Four calling birds,
Three french hens,
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings!
Four calling birds,
Three french hens,
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings!
Four calling birds,
Three french hens,
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eighth day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings!
Four calling birds,
Three french hens,
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the ninth day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings!
Four calling birds,
Three french hens,
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the tenth day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings!
Four calling birds,
Three french hens,
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eleventh day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings!
Four calling birds,
Three french hens,
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the twelfth day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Twelve drummers drumming,
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings!
Four calling birds,
Three french hens,
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer

Another one that is being sung a lot in my house. The kid's Christmas Program at school is on Dec 18th. Tonight is Pizza party for football team. A week from tomorrow is church sunday school class party, Birthday party next saturday night. Christmas dinner for work is on the 22nd. Dinner with inlaws for holidays is tomorrow after church. Can this month get busier?

Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer
had a very shiny nose.
And if you ever saw him,
you would even say it glows.

All of the other reindeer
used to laugh and call him names.
They never let poor Rudolph
join in any reindeer games.

Then one foggy Christmas Eve
Santa came to say:
"Rudolph with your nose so bright,
won't you guide my sleigh tonight?"

Then all the reindeer loved him
as they shouted out with glee,
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer,
you'll go down in history!

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Brianna can not stop singing this song...she knows all the words too. So for her...today..

WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS

We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a happy New Year.
Glad tidings we bring
To you and your kin;
Glad tidings for Christmas
And a happy New Year!

Now bring us some figgy pudding
Now bring us figgy pudding
Now bring us figgy pudding
And a cup of good cheer!
Glad tidings we bring
To you and your kin;
Glad tidings for Christmas
And a happy New Year!

We won't go until we get some
We won't go until we get some
We won't go until we get some
So bring it out here!
Glad tidings we bring
To you and your kin;
Glad tidings for Christmas
And a happy New Year!

We wish you a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas
And a happy New Year.
Glad tidings we bring
To you and your kin;
Glad tidings for Christmas
And a happy New Year!

Let Love Multiply

A Forward to share.... Although we can't have more babies...this always makes me cry and wish for just a minute that we could have one more...

I'd like to be pregnant just once more. I'd like to see a plus sign on a pregnancy test and do a dance of joy on the bathroom floor. I'd like to tell my husband, "We did it," and see the joy on his face. I'd like to walk with my secret in those early months, a proud grin on my mouth, inexplicable to those who do not know. I'd like to take prenatal vitamins every day. Just once more, I'd like to feel my clothes grow tighter and let that make me smile. I'd like to tell my daughter there's a tiny baby in my tummy, a brother or a sister for us to love. I'd like to see her eyes grow wide and her heart full with happiness that I know will turn to envy. I'd like to worry about how she will adjust to her mommy caring for another child. Just once more, I'd like to feel this family grow.

Just once more, I'd like to watch my body swell. I'd like to look at myself in the mirror and rub cocoa butter on my hips and my breasts. I'd like to take warm naps when the sleepiness comes. I'd like to take loving care of myself. Just once more, I'd like to make passersby smile at my enormous middle, and cause strangers to open doors and carry groceries for me. I'd like to feel the envy of the women in my life, those who will give advice and remember, for a moment, what it feels like to carry life inside of you. Just once more, I'd like to wear that womanly sacredness.

Just once more, I'd like to feel the movement inside me, and try to guess which body part is pressing on my ribs. I'd like to feel the gentle nudge of a baby's hiccups in my guts. I'd like to take my daughter's hand, and place it precisely on my skin, where it ripples and undulates. I'd like to peer over my stomach to find my toes,and watch my belly button turn inside out. Just once more, I'd like someone to be a part of me walking.

Just once more, I'd like to go to sleep at night, too big to be comfortable. I'd like to wonder if I will sleep through the night, or if labor will come before tomorrow. I'd like to feel the first contraction and get out the stopwatch. Just once more, I'd like to ride the waves of contractions, howling. I'd like to marvel at the strength of my body. Just once more, I'd like to squeeze my husband's hands when it hurts, and have them massage my back when it subsides. I'd like to breathe those funny breaths and hum that strange, guttural tone. Just once more I'd like to bring forth a child, slippery and wet from the depths of my body. I'd like to feel God move through me.

Just once more, I would like to undress a newborn child and count the toes and fingers. I would like to see my husband's eyes looking back at me from the face in my arms. I'd like to look for birthmarks, and place my finger in a tiny powerful fist. I'd like to turn names over in my mind, listening to the sound of them with our family names, and see if they match the new face in my arms. Just once more, I'd like to see a soul with a new body and a new name.

Just once more, I'd like to hold a child at my breast and feel the milk let down, ready to nourish and comfort.I'd like to feel my breasts heavy and uncomfortable, so full the milk squirts out when I take a warm shower. I'd like to hold that child to my chest and rock and sing. I'd like, just once more, to feel my shirt wet, warm and sticky from milk too ready to pour. Just once more, I would like to be more animal than human, connected to all the living mothers in fur or in skin.

Just once more, I'd like to fold tiny clothes, change tiny diapers. I'd like to help my daughter hold this new baby for the first time. I'd like to see my husband sway an infant in his massive arms. I'd like to fill the house with baby things: blankets and toys, a swing and a bassinet. I'd like to feel the relief of getting a child to sleep, finally, and the tension of checking for breath throughout the night. I'd like to wish again for just one uninterrupted night of sleep. Just once more, I'd like to live when the days and nights are no longer marked by light and darkness, but full and empty stomachs.

Just once more, I'd like to host the visitors, the well-wishers, the gift-bringers. I'd like to hold my newest child up proudly for viewing. I'd like to see my mother cry at the miracle of this new life. I'd like to hand the baby to my husband so that I could hold and cradle my daughter. I'd like to tell her about the time that she was as small and needy as her new sibling, and how we tended her as gently.

Just once more, I'd like to let love multiply.

Praise God. Kristin is out of ICU

They moved her to a regular room. She has had both tubes removed from her chest now...and is on oral pain medications. They took the epidural out so that she could go to oral meds. It is still really serious...but...she is out of ICU. This is really something to be thankful for this holiday season.

She is still in a lot of pain...and my dad keeps saying she is a trooper...which equates to this is how he is dealing with her pain. She is having a lot of problems adjusting to the oral meds...so she still needs prayers. But please...Keep her in your prayers this holiday season.

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay;
Remember Christ, our Saviour,
Was born on Christmas day,
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.

In Bethlehem, in Jewry,
This blessed Babe was born,
And laid within a manger,
Upon this blessed morn;
That which His Mother Mary,
Did nothing take in scorn.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.

From God our Heavenly Father,
A blessed Angel came;
And unto certain Shepherds
Brought tidings of the same:
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by Name.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.

"Fear not," then said the Angel,
"let nothing you affright,
This day is born a Saviour
Of pure Virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in Him
From Satan's power and might."
O tidings of comfort and joy,
comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.

The shepherds at those tidings
Rejoiced much in mind,
And left their flocks a-feeding,
In tempest, storm, and wind:
And went to Bethlehem straightway,
The Son of God to find.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.

And when they came to Bethlehem
Where our dear Saviour lay,
They found Him in a manger,
Where oxen feed on hay;
His Mother Mary kneeling down,
Unto the Lord did pray.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.

Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas
All other doth deface.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.

While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks
Nahum Tate(1652-1715), ca. 1700

While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around.
"Fear not," said he, for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled mind,
"Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind."

"To you, in David's town this day,
Is born of David's line
The Savior who is Christ the Lord,
And this shall be the sign:
The heavenly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
And in a manger laid."

Thus spake the seraph, and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God and thus
Addressed their joyful song:
"All glory be to God on high
And on the earth be peace,
Goodwill henceforth from heaven to men
Begin and never cease."

THE LEGACIES OF LIFE

THE LEGACIES OF LIFE
Have you ever wondered what you will leave behind in this world as a legacy? Maybe it will be your good name and fortune. Or perhaps it will be simply your old bowling trophies and butterfly collection. While others feel that they will leave very little.
I once read that every day 20 pounds of chewing gum is deposited on the bottoms of 6200 seats at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. That made me wonder how many pounds of gum and trash is deposited in the stadium after a professional ball game?
What do we really want to leave behind us for future generations as a witness? Happiness would be one of the first things that many would mention. Everyone has the power to make others happy.
Or perhaps we would say we need to leave a legacy of love, something that will serve as inspiration for individuals to gain new heights of achievement, new goals, or even new insights in their walk of life.
But wouldn’t the greatest legacy be in sometime in the future an individual stood up and gave a testimony that began: “Many years ago a dear friend of mine brought me to Christ and that encounter has changed my life forever.” Wouldn’t it be wonderful if they said that individual was you?
You and I were created to leave behind the positive and lasting influences in the lives of people -- not problems and chewing gum for others to scrape off.

Lord God we praise you for the legacy of faith that your disciples have left in the past and we ask you to strengthen our faithfulness to prepare for the future. All of these are blessings that come from loving You. In Your name we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. We are entering the season of the birth of Christ. Are you prepared in your heart and mind to encounter God in this special way? Join me next week as we prepare for the journey.

O Come, All Ye Faithful

Are We Faithful? Do we wait patiantly for the coming Christ still today? Do we Adore Him who First loved us? Come, let us together worship our King.

O Come, All Ye Faithful
Attributed to John Francis Wade(ca. 1711-1786)

O come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye,
O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold Him
Born the King of angels;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ, the Lord.

Sing, choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens
of heaven above;
Glory to God,
Glory in the highest;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ, the Lord.

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning,
Jesus, to Thee be
all glory given;
Son of the Father,
Now in flesh appearing;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ, the Lord.

Do You Hear What I Hear

Do You Hear What I Hear

Said the night wind to the little lamb,
do you see what I see
Way up in the sky, little lamb,
do you see what I see
A star, a star, dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite
With a tail as big as a kite

Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy,
do you hear what I hear
Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy,
do you hear what I hear
A song, a song, high above the trees
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea

Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king,
do you know what I know
In your palace warm, mighty king,
do you know what I know
A Child, a Child shivers in the cold
Let us bring Him silver and gold
Let us bring Him silver and gold

Said the king to the people everywhere,
listen to what I say
Pray for peace, people everywhere!
listen to what I say
The Child, the Child, sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light
He will bring us goodness and light

Nuttin' For Christmas

For my almost 7 year old... Please God, Let him out grow this stage quickly....

Nuttin' For Christmas
S. Tepper, R. Bennett (c) 1955

I broke my bat on Johnny's head;
Somebody snitched on me.
I hid a frog in sister's bed;
Somebody snitched on me.
I spilled some ink on Mommy's rug;
I made Tommy eat a bug;
Bought some gum with a penny slug;
Somebody snitched on me.

Oh, I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
Mommy and Daddy are mad.
I'm getting nuttin' for Christmas
'Cause I ain't been nuttin' but bad.

I put a tack on teacher's chair
somebody snitched on me.
I tied a knot in Susie's hair
somebody snitched on me.
I did a dance on Mommy's plants
climbed a tree and tore my pants
Filled the sugar bowl with ants
somebody snitched on me.

So, I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
Mommy and Daddy are mad.
I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
'Cause I ain't been nuttin' but bad.

I won't be seeing Santa Claus;
Somebody snitched on me.
He won't come visit me because
Somebody snitched on me.
Next year I'll be going straight;
Next year I'll be good, just wait
I'd start now, but it's too late;
Somebody snitched on me.

So you better be good whatever you do
'Cause if you're bad, I'm warning you,
You'll get nuttin' for Christmas.

Go, Tell It On The Mountain

Go, Tell It On The Mountain

While shepherds kept their watching
Over silent flocks by night,
Behold throughout the heavens,
There shone a holy light:
Go, Tell It On The Mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere;
Go, Tell It On The Mountain
That Jesus Christ is born.

The shepherds feared and trembled
When lo! above the earth
Rang out the angel chorus
That hailed our Saviour's birth:
Go, Tell It On The Mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere;
Go, Tell It On The Mountain
That Jesus Christ is born.

Down in a lowly manger
Our humble Christ was born
And God send us salvation,
That blessed Christmas morn:
Go, Tell It On The Mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere;
Go, Tell It On The Mountain
That Jesus Christ is born.

When I am a seeker,
I seek both night and day;
I seek the Lord to help me,
And He shows me the way:
Go, Tell It On The Mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere;
Go, Tell It On The Mountain
That Jesus Christ is born.

He made me a watchman
Upon the city wall,
And if I am a Christian,
I am the least of all.
Go, Tell It On The Mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere;
Go, Tell It On The Mountain
That Jesus Christ is born.