Noah, and his "pile"
Noah, washing dishes with Grandma (My Mom;)
Grandma bought the big boys ipods...Santa thought Noah might need one too!
Fisher Price FP3 player--- he loves it
TMX Elmo--- just the thing to drive Mommy nuts;)
My middle son--- who rarely lets me take his pic;)
How fat can a beagle be???? about this fat. Our bad-dog Sami- says' "Merry Christmas"
Luke 2
The Birth of Jesus 1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.
4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels 8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Jesus Presented in the Temple 21On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived. 22When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord"[b]), 24and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons."[c]
25Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss[d] your servant in peace. 30For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 32a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."
33The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."
36There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.[e] She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
39When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
The Boy Jesus at the Temple 41Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. 42When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. 43After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you."
49"Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" 50But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
51Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Dear Jesus- I pray that all who stop here- will treasure your truth in their heart-I thank you for becomming God with us-amen-
Awwww how sweet- On Tuesdays' I post at "Laced with Grace"
I've been working my way through the book of Luke- and yesterday- posted on Luke 19. The focus was on Zaccheus- You can click the link to read---- Zaccheus was a short little tax-collector who wanted to see Jesus- so climber a sycamore tree----you can click to read and find a way to climb to the top of your Christmas tree- to keep focused on Jesus- this holiday season. What a great surprise to find out the post was honored by I have basketful of 7 varied sizes of Christmas slippers to be felted--- I'll post pics later- for now- I've just downloaded "Little Women" to my Ipod and am off to spend a long afternoon of wrapping gifts and waiting for the UPS guy. You can find todays reading here: Luke chapter 20- Find out how Jesus answered a set-up question of under who's authority He spoke, what Jesus thought about paying taxes, and whose son is Christ anyways????? Keep Christmas in the Context of the Gospel!
Acute Torticollis The pic is from a much happier day for my middle son- Matt. NOT today. Today- the word of the day isn't happy- but "Acute Torticollis" That- and "muscle relaxant" and "pain killer".... It was 6:10 a.m. when he started screaming. FYI- I need coffee before people shold ever start screaming. I hadn't had any yet. Poor kid- he laid down on the couch this morning- waiting to leave for the bus--- then felt something "pop" in his neck- and a scream flew out of his mouth. Couldn't turn his head, couldn't sit back- stood up- wouldn't move. Then, tears slid out from the corners of his eyes. He tried hard not to scream. 14 year olds don't like to show pain. After a few minutes- he started feeling lightheaded- and got a terrible headache. His Dad was home- so we got him to the car and to the ER.... A Muscle Spasm. "Very common in kids, we're not sure why..." "Vicodin and valium.....rest and ice" In all the years I've been a mom- I thought we'd seen it all--- the strange rashes... the infections, the vomit- the stitches... This was a new one. I'll add it to the list. But, for now- scroll down for Noah cuteness pics--- I'm so thankful for insurance and prescription coverage.
Waiting for Santa... Not sure exactly why Noah has the "I can't believe you said that" look on his face- maybe Santa told a "Daddy Style" joke;) A chance to touch the ornaments... The set up at the mall this year was a HUGE "Happy Feet" theme... hmmm so I PAID to stand in a marketing trap---- ummm yeah. But it WAS cute;) The Giant snowglobe had blowing "snow" inside- and a sign outside- that said "Snow is edible- rice based product" apparently it was tasty - too;) We waited for nearly 2 hours, to see Santa. Noah was terrific the whole time.... the teens did their shopping and I THOUGHT about knitting--- but didn't;) A busy day---- Christmas is coming !!!!!!!! Today's Bible reading: Luke 17 SP9 update: The pal that I'm sending to- recieved her extra special Christmas pkg... she liked it! she liked it!--- and the post office didn't lose it! WHEW! ;) 
Saturday Morning Sky--- out my back door, only slightly deceiving. Looks like I live in a nice rural area, doesn't it? NOT. We were fortunate enough to find a neighborhood , where there is at least a bit of distance between our home and the neighbors behind us! (The neighbors beside us are only about 30" away! ;) I am reading chapter 16 of Luke this morning. "The Shrewd Manager" A quick teaching on divorce and an interesting vignette of heaven and hell..... Busy here- very busy. We arrived home to the Christmas full-court press. The list is shrinking... but there is still more shopping to do. I've knit 5 pair of Fiber Trends felted clogs. Most of what I've ordered from Amazon is in... and waiting to be wrapped. I'll be heading out today to try to figure out what to give my inlaws. Just curious.......even though we "draw names" with the adults in my husbands family- our shopping list is enormous .... So a quick poll....... Vote below then click to see the results.
DH's Christmas Party was in Canada.... we made a weekend of it... back to regular blogging after I finish the laundry... for now... A few pics of my favorite people.... in one of the prettiest places....... Last year we came here as well- it ewas icy and overcast.... pretty, but this year? Gorgeous. Even the teens were enthralled enough not to notice pictures being taken (Hence the absence of disgusted looks on their faces....they hate it when I take their pictures..) We're pretty sure that YES, their spit DID freeze before hitting anything..... (boys!) One of my favorites...Noah at the end of the rainbow....hmmmm had I not been busy taking pictures- I'd have yelled at Daddy for holding him that close to the edge.... OK--- so i jus loved this one too--- so pretty!
Luke Chapter 7---(scroll down to yesterdays post to find out what this is all about..) an interesting read... so much in there today! (Click the title for the link- to Biblegateway- a free online bible resource) or read my synopsis here then click: Verses 1-10 are about a faithful soldier. (Centurion) He (sends leaders) to ask Jesus to "say the word" and heal his servant. When Jesus went to heal the man--- the Centurion sent other servants- to stop Jesus on His way... telling him to just say the word, he believed it wasn't necessary for Jesus to actually come to the man. Jesus was "amazed" at the man, and commended his faith (actually his understanding of Jesus authority- specifically- that if Jesus SAID it- it was done- there was no need for proximity) to those who were gathered- in addition to healing his servant. Verses 11-17 are about a widows dead son, and Jesus' raising him from the dead. The part that struck me was this verse in particular: 13When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, "Don't cry." There is Jesus- busily at work ministering--- and a (common for the time occurance) goes on in the background--- a boys' (sons anyway not really sure how old he is) body is being brought out.. (I'm assuming to be discarded) his mother is crying along side the body, as it's being carried out. The poor woman is grieving- a widow- with only her son. We don't even know if she's aware of Jesus, that he is there- and that He is able to do the unthinkable.. bring her boy back to life. But Jesus knows SHE is there---- and He moves with compassion, He goes to her. Tells her not to cry- then raises the boy from the dead. She never even asked Him to. Jesus was simply moved. The savior in the manger- grows into a man of compassion. Moved to action. Verses 18-35 Jesus answers questions from John the Baptist. (sent through his disciples.. -Johns disciples... those who folllowed John's teachings) John, doesn't pull any punches. He asks Jesus "Are you the ONE?" Jesus responds by pointing to His actions in line with God's prophecies: 21At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. 22So he replied to the messengers, "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy[b] are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. 23Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me." Verses 36-50 37When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, 38and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.
39When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner." The Pharisees weren't too happy with the whole event. They pointed out the woman's checkered past. (ummmm MUCH checkered past) 39When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner."
40Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you." "Tell me, teacher," he said.
41"Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii,[d] and the other fifty. 42Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?" 43Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said.
44Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."
48Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."
49The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?"
50Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace." Lord Jesus- Your word is so rich. Help me to soak in as much of you as I can--- Help me to remember you are no longer a baby in a manger- but one who is the fulfillment of prophecy, moved with compassion and who offers much forgiveness, God I ask that you help me to remember to be thankful for the forgiveness you've given to me- I love you Lord- amen. 
For the knitters who are wondering--- am I still knitting??? The answer is YES madly for Christmas! Pictured- Clapotis in Lorna's Laces Lion and Lamb... Knit picks "gloss" in beige and brown for See Eunny Knit's new Mitten Pattern... (I think I can I think I can..) lots of Knit Picks "Swish"- for machine wash mittens for Christmas gifties..... and a pair of Fiber Trends Felted clogs- pre felting....;)
December is a crazy time, for many of us. It's so easy to wake up one morning in January, and realize that you've missed most of Christmas, it's meaning anyway... then we vow not to lose focus- next year. It's not too late for this year!!!!! Yesterday- at Laced With Grace, I posted my plan for staying focused on the meaning of the holiday. I am reading a chapter a day of the book of Luke. 24 chapters 24 days to Christmas Eve. My goal is to keep Christmas in the Context of the Gospel. I'll be posting many of my journal's raw thoughts here- the things I find and the ways I respond. I encourage you to join me--- add your thoughts in the comments... or on your own blog! I started on the 1st---in my journal--- (yep actual paper) but decided to start here with todays reading.....
Luke 6
Lord of the Sabbath
1One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain, rub them in their hands and eat the kernels. 2Some of the Pharisees asked, "Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?" ( Funny how legalism isn't a new invention... the Pharisees thought it better to starve than to do work - ie pick grain- on the Sabbath... wonder how often I let my legalism casue me to go hungry, when I could be satisfied...)
3Jesus answered them, "Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4He entered the house of God, and taking the consecrated bread, he ate what is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions." 5Then Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." (This establishes who Jesus was- Lord of the Sabbath... and that feeding the "hungry" is a priority, and should be)
6On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled. 7The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath. 8But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, "Get up and stand in front of everyone." So he got up and stood there. 9Then Jesus said to them, "I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?"
10He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He did so, and his hand was completely restored. 11But they were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus. (Jesus cracks me up. He knew the Pharisees were watching Him, for the purpose of making accusations, instead of being "careful" Jesus puts it right in their face. He puts the question that was in their hearts, before their eyes. Their question seems to be... will, Jesus follow the letter of the law, or let a man suffer another day...Jesus' response- to heal the man- seems to show a contrast between Jesus' heart- (of compassion) and the Pharisees heart- more concerned with their own appearance of "holiness" following the law- than with being compassioate towards others.)
The Twelve Apostles
12One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. 13When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, (Guess I hadn't realized there were other disciples and Jesus chose 12 to send out as Apostles... have to look up Apostle...) whom he also designated apostles: 14Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, 16Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. (Jesus chose Judas, knowing He would betray Him, long before Judas ever had the thought, in my opinion. )
Blessings and Woes 17He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coast of Tyre and Sidon, 18who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by evil[a] spirits were cured, 19and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.
20Looking at his disciples, he said:
"Blessed are you who are poor, (Often translated poor in Spirit- meaning recognizing our own sinful state)
for yours is the kingdom of God.
21Blessed are you who hunger now, (I don't think Jesus was tlaking about craving carbs... but craving for God)
for you will be satisfied. ( To be satisfied with God.... Lord- please fill me up! )
Blessed are you who weep now, (I think the blessing is in the comfort we can have when we cry out to God..)
for you will laugh. (Even the greatest hurts in my life have led back to joy... not in the happy that bad thing happened way, but in the I trust God more- now that he's brought me through that, sense...)
22Blessed are you when men hate you, (This one is also tough---- but I can say this- there have been times when I've had people "hate" me, for doing what I felt strongly was i n obedience to God.... it doesn't FEEL like a blessing... it FEELS awful, but what feels much better- is knowing that for just one moment- I've done what was important and right before God--- not men)
when they exclude you and insult you (I hate to be excluded... but sometimes- it's for the best for all involved! )
and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.
23"Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets. 24"But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. 25Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. 26Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets. (When Jesus want to make something crystal clear--- He says it both ways- once for the ones who want to see the positive side, then yet again for those who'll only get it from the opposing perspective)
Love for Enemies 27"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. (How can I do good, ot those who hate me? I have a few ideas of who they may be.... but DO GOOD? I'll have some opportunites over the holiday's thats for sure...the praying is somehow easier than the doing... God please help me to DO GOOD to those who hate me... welll-- and help people not hate me too much! ) 29If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31Do to others as you would have them do to you. (God,this is so hard- it goes so against my natural justice tendancies- make me more like you)
32"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. 33And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. 34And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. 35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Judging Others 37"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (A lot of times these verses are taken out of context, and twisted to mean that if you GIVE things to people--- then THINGS will be given to you... what it says- is that if you withold forgiveness from others, you are in threat, of not having forgiveness extended to you when you mneed it--- and I need t OFTEN!)
39He also told them this parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher. (Lord- train me and teach me- make me to be like you!)
41"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 42How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. (A million times I've heard this- and a million times- I stand convicted. Lord- it's so easy for me to see the speck in someone elses eye....!)
A Tree and Its Fruit
43"No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. 45The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. (The overflow of my heart..... hmmm been pretty frustrated and sressed lately.. a lot of sarcastic, angry words have been flowing... God cleanse my heart renew it and change it...let the overflow be one of love and peace and forgiveness)
The Wise and Foolish Builders 46"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? (Is it getting a little warm in here??????Ouch. Lord- help me to obey you out of love for you....) 47I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. 48He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete." Lord, help me to put into practice the things you have taught--- help me to stay focused on you - and to become more like you--- amen
My regular post is over at "Laced With Grace" Today..... find out what happens, when the dog eats baby Jesus..... But now- for your entertainment.. A day in the life of..... 
This was not my planned post. This was not my planned DAY. Caution- this is a rant, a pity party and a complaint session. It is not a rant in the classical sense- as it isn't directed towards anyone--- but towards my general day. On with the show:Dear Lord, I know you have a plan for our days, but I gotta tell you Lord- Today? I'd have picked another one. I wasn't nuts about this one! I thank you for your protection, though- and that there wasn't damage done. I ask you to help me through the rest of this day- amen.
Spinning Loft Grand Opening!123 Mason RoadHowell, Michigan 48843517-540-1344
This shop is where I bought my wheel, and where I took lesson to learn to spin. There is a new owner- who's excited and has loads of fresh ideas.
The "party" will be :Saturday, December 2 (tomorrow) from 10 a.m 5:00 p.m.
There will be snacks (yum) and prizes (yay!)
You can check the details here: Spinning Loft
Or, on Beth's (the new owners) Blog here: Three Sheeps to the Wind
I haven't been in, in a while, I'm hoping to see some of the gals I met while taking lessons...and maybe some make some new friends, too!
Also- I've started a yahoo group for Michigan Spinners----
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MichiganSpins/
To join, just pop in for a visit! Invite others- it will be great to have a place to share resources and fibery goodness! Upload pics, add your favorite fiber sites and especially local fiber info!
