Mary's Heartbeats

The crowds wouldn't stop, they continually were drawn to the teaching and healing of this man. They pressed around him and seemed to find him wherever he went. Since Jesus was by a lake and saw the boats of the fisherman, it seemed a good idea to teach from the boat and maintain the audience on the shore. After he was done teaching, he said to Simon (one of the owners of the boat), "Let's push out to deep water to fish." Simon's response to Jesus was reluctant at best, "We've worked real hard all night and caught nothing, but because you ask, I'll try again." Off they went into the deep and there they put those same old nets down just like they had done so many times before. All at once, it was as if all the fish in the sea were captured because the nets began to break! They had to signal other boats to come and help! They filled two boats of fish, almost to the point of sinking! Who knew that such a thing could happen? It's the last...

No matter how much you plan for Christmas, it always arrives too quickly and leaves too fast. Before you know it, all your talk is just of the memories. Perhaps that is the silver lining in the process, because you do take time to pause, reflect, and focus on those moments. It's those moments that thread your conversations for you to share. I was reminded of that this year, as I sat around with family. Although, some were missing from our circle, it was as if their presence still was there. We remembered all they did to make our Christmases just right, we could hear their laughs, feel their love, even hear their long distance phone calls, and savor their delicious holiday treats. I hope that now I make those memories for my family to recall. I hope I'm mindful of each moment I have to give. I want to be the one who laughed out loud, and loved each one to death. I hope I'll be the one that listened to their hearts, and encouraged them in a righteous path to go. "S...

“But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19) Dear Family and Friends, Ever wonder and ponder the Christmas story of old? It really seems to make no sense . . . It starts out with young Mary, a Jewish unmarried maiden, raised in a God fearing home. Joseph, her fiancé is older and known to be quite a virtuous man. His family too provided a godly heritage and lineage for him. With their credentials, all seemed to be going quite well, But into their wedding plans comes this surprise baby, A Supernatural Miracle. Confirmation comes by way of angelic messengers, And an older relative of Mary’s. Yet for nine months there must have been thoughts of: What next? Why us? What does this really mean? How will this ever work out for the best? Can we honestly raise a King? The final straw must have been that trip to Bethlehem. Now they would be away from family and friends, Who would help them with the birth? Any plans they may have had for help were nixed . . ...

Merry Christmas world! I love quiet Christmas mornings when no one else is awake. It's just me and the dog, quietly enjoying the morning sky awakening. There's a chill in the air until the heat kicks in. I savor my coffee as I reflect upon this day. . . Actually, I have had my best Christmas celebration yesterday on the eve of this very special day. For several years now, I have had a group of older ladies that I have coined "My Faithful Women." I think I started this especially in honor of my Mom who was so faithful to her husband and family, but especially to her Lord. Mom was one who in spite of all odds believed and hoped in One greater than any other. She remained faithful despite her own physical handicaps of hearing loss and chronic pain from osteoporosis fractures. She never questioned or at least didn't seem to ever ask, "why me?" But instead, she loved you always, and you knew it beyond any doubt; and she prayed for you const...