A Day To Remember....

For some reason, this story came to mind today & I had over 100 people liked it, or commented on it on Facebook...including the precious mother, Stephanie Stacy Baker..

Remembering a day about 7 or 8 years ago, (perhaps in December, not sure) when something happened on my bus run that lingers still...There were just about 15-20 kids on my bus as we went merrily up Watkins Branch, near Grundy, Va. & as was my custom, I was belting out some songs & since we had seen a giant Frosty the Snowman inflatable, that was my song of choice: Thumpity Thump! Thump!..Thumity Thump! Thump! Look at Frosty Go!...and then I sang: Going up Cripple Creek! Going in a run! Going up Cripple Creek to have some fun!...Fun switched to reality in a heartbeat, when we rounded a curve, less than a mile up Watkins Branch, & there was the lady that brought her four-year old daughter down the steep driveway in her car to meet my Big Yellow Bus...This particular morning, my heart leaped to my throat as I saw Stephanie Baker standing in the creek waving her arms desperately & as I slid back the driver's side glass, I could hear her screaming..."HELP! SAVE MY BABIES!" Her car had flipped off about a 10 foot retaining wall on its top, into the icy water of Watkins Branch & she was standing in the water, obviously in shock, but unable to reach her baby in the car seat in back...Knowing I was breaking protocol & since radios had not been installed at that time (But were later that year due to this & a similar incident)...So, threatening my kids within an inch of their life, to 'Stay on the Bus', I sent the oldest to 'Call for Help' (No houses in Sight), I left the bus & went to the other side of the bridge & down into the creek, through a briar patch, no rabbit could have gotten through & arrived in the creek bed, ready to lift the car if necessary & all this time, Stephanie was screaming, "Save my Babies!" Save my Babies!'...only later did I determine there was just one baby, 6-month old Amber, who was upside down in her car seat & I determined, that if she slipped out of her car seat, she could very possibly drown & the only way I could possibly reach her, was to 'Lie down in the icy water' which I did...Only then, was I able to see a smiling Amber, looking down at me, like it was a game we were playing...Knowing I had to act quickly, I fumbled with the car seat release, knowing I was just going to have 'One' chance...I had to release the button & catch her when she slipped free, which I was able to do...NO! I COULDN'T HAVE DONE THAT! AN ANGEL MUST HAVE TAKEN OVER MY BODY!...Me & The Angel quickly handed Amber to her Mommy, who was completely overjoyed, but shivering uncontrollably , as was I...Looking up in the road, I saw 'ALL' of my kids standing in the road & I sent one up the hill to get Stephanie's shoes, that she said were on her porch & suddenly I saw a Rescue Squad vehicle arrive on the scene...Four-year old Sienna went on to school on the bus with me, as I left Stephanie & her precious Amber in the Rescue Squad vehicle....Sobbing & Crying (Tears of Joy!) I made my way on to Riverview, with no more passengers as the others had long since given up on my coming....Teeth chattering, almost in shock, unable to sing, unable to get warm...For many days! lol....Except In MY HEART!

26 Days of Alphabetical Resoluting.....Day 1

Hoping to finish on January 25...Lord Willing!

In 2012, I resolve to improve my ATTITUDE, which is said to be more important than APTITUDE for ALTITUDE, AND to be like the Mind's Paintbrush, in that it can Color ANY Situation Rosy! I Love the quote that is ATTRIBUTED to Michelangelo, the great ARTIST that said this when ASKED which of his Masterpieces he considered his Greatest: "My Next One!"...& ALSO said, "The greatest danger for most of us is not that our AIM is too high...& we miss it, but rather, that we AIM too low...& we hit it....Happy ATTITUDING! lol....Laff & the World Laffs with us....Cry, AND they Laff Louder!

CORNFIELDS 12-27-11

Just as it appeared in the Mountaineer, but 'Newer & Better'...lol

Whee!!! Ellie's Three!!! (Three years ago today, Sandy & I were on our way to Knoxville, in the wee hours of the morning, singing every gospel & 'upbeat' song we knew...Trying our best to make it to the hospital on time for the arrival of our only Grandchild into the world, ELLIE GRACE FIELDS! We're going back today for her 3rd Birthday Party!!!) WHEE!!! Ellie has also invited Jesus, Santa & Smokey...(Well, she is a Tennessee Girl!)...

Stores were really crowded before Christmas. You could hardly walk, let alone push a buggy...We were in HOUSEWARES & some guy threw a lampshade over a lady's head...I 'stuck' a lightbulb in her mouth...& another guy tried to buy her for 20 Bucks!!!!

Two days after Christmas, and my wife has already started 'Cleaning'....yesterday, she 'Cleaned Out' our Checking & Savings Accounts ....without even breaking a sweat...Whew!!!

Jack said he visited a 'southern' Zoo during Christmas..."They are a little different from 'northern' ZOOS, he said..."These ZOOS have pictures of the animals on their cage...Along with cooking directions!...'But what really got me was two Gorillas were singing 'JUNGLE BELLS'!" (Give me a Break!!)

"There are 293 ways to make change for a dollar," Rick said - "And I've probably used them all at one time or another, but I'd hafta break open a 'piggy bank' to demonstrate it to you." (I told him I'd take his word for it.)

" It's important to have 'Twinkles in your Wrinkles'," Judy winked, exposing her 'crow's feet'....lol

Moonbeam said that she and her hubby always exchanged presents at Christmas..."I exchange the one he got me, and he exchanges the one I got him!!...Evens out!" she hee hee'd.

My Brother-In-Law got two Christmas puppies, a Pointer & a Setter...."By next Christmas I'm hoping for some Pointsetters! to present to my Wife," he smiled.

Golden Oldie Observation: I need 'Old' friends to help me grow old...& 'New' friends...To help me stay Young. (I may need more help than this! lol)

Today is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24...

'Z' Day...The 26 Days of Christmas....

Let's jump on our ZEBRA & get Busy! lol

‎'Z' Day has arrived! The ZENITH (Peak!)...ZERO HOUR...It's all downhill from here til 'Next Christmas...364 days to go til our Hearts & Minds ZOOM IN once again on that Merriest of Days, but why not Celebrate Christmas 365 Days a Year?...That is the 'Whole Point' in my 26 Days of Christmas...Today is the Last Day...Or First Day, according to our Perspective...But Why Can't Everyday Be Christmas? Isn't Christmas a 'State of Mind'...or 'Heart'???

Who Gave Himself for us, that He might Redeem us from all sin, and Purify us unto Himself, a 'Peculiar People', ZEALOUS of Good Works. (Titus 2:14) Should we all of a sudden ZAP our Good Will, and ZIPPER up our Smiles? God Forbid!

In Acts 11:14, Peter is instructed to go to the house of Cornelius and tell him and all his household, 'Words'...whereby they might be Saved...Words are Powerful! More Powerful than a 2-Edged Sword.....(Hebrews4:12)..Remembering that Mark Twain once said, "The difference between the 'right word' & 'almost the right word' is the difference between Lightning...& the 'Lightning Bug'...lol...Why can't we Decide to be ZEALOUS toward God & Mankind 'Every' Day?...Remembering that when we're 'Not Kind', that we are the 'Wrong Kind'...lol

Isaiah 2:3..And many people shall go and say,"Come Ye, And let us go up to the Mountain of the Lord, to the House of the God of Jacob: And He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His Paths: for out of ZION shall go forth the Law, and the Word of The Lord from Jerusalem...3,000 Obeyed God's Word on the 'Day of Pentecost when the Church started at Jerusalem(God's Mount ZION)...& All had Great ZEAL (Enthusiasm...which is formed from 2 Greek words meaning 'Full of God'..Their 'Love of God was 'Overflowing'.... for Acts 8:4 says 'They went 'Everywhere Preaching The Word'...Don't you think that we also should be endeavoring to reach every ZIP CODE & person..I heard a preacher say once that God Loves 'Each of Us' as if 'There's Only One Of Us'...'All' people are 'Important' to God'...The 'Crowning Glory' of His Creation...even ZANY me...lol...Merry Christmas And A Happy New You! (Year!) Zippity -D0-Dah-Day!!!!!

Merry Christmas DaY...'Y' Words...

YELL IT FROM THE HOUSETOPS...JESUS CHRIST IS BORN...

When they (The Wisemen) had heard the king, they departed; And Lo, the Star, which they saw in the east, went before them, til it came and stood over where the YOUNG CHILD was. Matthew 2:9...Christmas and YOUTH seem to go together...like YULE & LOG even...lol...Hoping all YOUTH get to hear the Christmas Story (as in the Bible) this Christmas Day, and since we're all YOUNG at Heart, doesn't that include YOU...and Me??? Ecclesiastes 12:1 says, "Remember now thy Creator in the days of YOUR YOUTH, while the 'evil days' come not, nor the YEARS draw nigh, when YOU shall say, 'I have no pleasure in them'."

Satan told Eve in Genesis 3, "YOU will be like gods if YOU eat of the fruit God said not to"...Eve bit in disobedience to God, and so did Adam...They Both YIELDED to Satan...And S.I.N. (Self Indulgence Now) entered the world.

In Ephesians 3, Paul told the Ephesians about the Grace of God (God's Riches At Christ's Expense) which was Given YOU-WARD. (Nice Direction...Don't YOU think?)

Jesua said in Matthew 11:30.."My YOKE is easy, and my burden is light,"...and lots of folk say "What??? It's Hard being a Christian Lord! Not according to the Lord...The Wayfaring man has it 'Really Tough'...In reality, we 'Enjoy the Price we Pay for Serving God'...We 'Pay the Price' when we fail to do this...& the Wages of Sin are much more than any of us want to pay.

YOUTHFUL FATHER, I YEARN for YOUR Ways....Help us to YIELD to YOUR YOKE! Please YES Father...In Jesus' Holy Name I Pray, Amen.

Grundy's 2003 Playoff Victory to Win the Region 4 Championship

Wow! What a Game!!!RESURRECTION.....A Behind the Action Look at Grundy's Big Playoff Victory in November of 2003....( As it appeared in the Virginia Mountaineer)

After being buried by the Graham G-Men earlier in the season at Grundy, and in the Playoffs the year before, on the same Mitchell Stadium field, the Grundy Golden Wave Resurrected in a 'Big Way' last Friday night.
Several hundred die-hard Grundy fans braved the elements & treacherous roads to witness the game of two centuries for Grundy football. I can imagine thousands more dancing joyfully about their house as they listened to 'Super Sportswriter', Lloyd Combs, bringing the thrilling action into their homes & cars by way of radio. Lloyd told me later that he had the Flu when the game started..."But I had talked myself out of it by game's end." lol
Snow, mud, cold, wind...A 'Perfect' night for football, some would say. All of the fans I talked to after the game were oblivious to the cold...Victory has a way of doing that...Nothing Hurts When You Win!
The tone for the game was set when the Wave team exited the bus at Mitchell Stadium....long before fans & stadium workers arrived on the scene. The Team walked as One to the middle of the field, joined hands... bowing their heads. From the way they played, I would assume they prayed for Heart, Courage & Teamwork...Someone had placed a sign in the Wave Field House back home that read TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK...Obviously, the Wave Team was on a mission to make their Dream...& Prayer...Come True!
IN THE LOCKER ROOM BEFORE THE GAME...Someone taped up a 'broken window' that was letting in cold air & snow. The Team began to Look Inward, some stretching weary muscles, some "Bouncing' ...as if readying for a Championship Fight. The smell of liniment, pre-wrap, adhesive tape...and sweat mingle...and fill the air. The 'Sounds of Encouragement', and 'Cleats tapping on the concrete floor' fill the air, as does the sound of chalk scratching out a 'Game Plan' on a worn-out blackboard...I revel in this 'elecric atmosphere. There is no place on earth quite like it. Someone mentions that the G-MEN think they have already 'Buried the Wave'...And they just want to 'Throw another shovelful of dirt on the Wave Grave...
The five coaches, with many years of dedicated service to Grundy football, and well over a hundred shared victories, call the TEAM together in the middle of the locker room. Each has last minute reminders & words of encouragement. Finally, someone says, "Four Minutes!"...And Coach Rowe says, "Let's get it in!" The TEAM falls to their knee...And with 'Joined Hands & Hearts' they have another Pre-Game Prayer...
IN THE LOCKER ROOM AT HALFTIME, with a 7-7 tie, Excitement is running high. The TEAM believes they can win...And Vows that They Will. Some shed excess mud, while others search out the Power-Ade. All listen as the coaches make adjustments...The 15 minutes drag by, but the TEAM is Renewed, Chomping at the Bit, eagerly awaiting the command to "Bring the Ship In!"...When it comes, Grim-Faced Warriors storm out to 'Execute the Command'...
ON THE FIELD AFTER THE WAR, the combatants line up to shake hands. A look of disbelief on the defeated G-Men. The Wave Team grins broadly with 'Uplifted heads' They know they have just defeated the 'Best team in the State' (On Paper)...And they also know it was not luck!
IN THE ENDZONE, Jubilant Wavemen are heartily congratulated by coaches, fans, cheerleaders & family members. Sweat, Tears, Mud & Joy are passed around. Cameras flash as the moment is frozen for the ages. After reciting the Lord's Prayer, the TEAM, with helmets held skyward, chants their Post-Game & Post-Practice yell: WORK! WORK! WORK! PRIDE! PRIDE! PRIDE! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! WIN! WIN! WIN!...The Yell is shouted with such intensity that the 'Echo' seems to wrap around each falling snowflake...And Reverberate throughout the stadium. The team seems reluctant to enter the warm confines of the locker room. Victory has warmed them...And it feels so good!!!!
THE SENIORS look around at the emptying stands, and the now deserted field, as if 'Storing up Memories...Of a Run..A Tackle...A Block...A Pass or Catch..A TD...They know they won't be back on this field of Triumph, But Their Mind's Eye will return time after time...Not to remember the 'Big Plays', But the 'Fighting Spirit' exhibited this night...Reborn, they float into the Locker Room on a 'Chorus of Cheers...
IN THE LOCKER ROOM AFTER THE GAME, Wavemen are are looking for the 'Shark' (A cutting tool used to remove pre-wrap & adhesive tape). No one seems eager for a shower. SUDDENLY, the door bursts open....And Coach Rowe enters with the coveted REGION 4 Trophy. The Trophy is Cheered, Held High, Kissed...And Passed Around. The TEAM has 'Brought the Ship In'..The TEAM then kneels once again and thanks God for the Courage & Ability to Conquer!...The State awaits...& the young Wave TEAM is looking forward to the opportunity.

'X' Day...Christmas Eve in 26 Days of Christmas...

X-ALTED are You in all the earth...Most X-CELLENT Holy One! You Alone X-CEL...

Some folks say 'MERRY XMAS', which is generally frowned upon, but not necessarily a 'Bad' thing...In a sense, an X is a Cross...or a 'cross-out' & 'That' is the sole purpose of our Savior's coming to earth...to 'CROSS OUT' our sins by being 'The Lamb of God', without spot or blemish, slain for the sins of the world...Laying down His Life on the Cross of Calvary....Christmas Eve & everybody's X-CITED! Praying we will X-ALT Him Who makes our Salvation Possible...The Way Of The CROSS (X) Leads Home......Merry Christmas X-TENDED to All...God wants our Presence more than our Presents, but certainly our Greatest Gift is not one Wrapped & placed under a Tree, but was 'Wrapped & Placed In A Manger...& Later..Nailed to a Tree....1 Peter 2:24..." Who His own self bare our sins in His own body 'On' the Tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto Righteousness: BY WHOSE STRIPES YOU WERE HEALED."...Let's X-TOL HIM!

'W' WORDS...the 23rd Day...the 23rd Letter...

Like the lame man at the Gate Beautiful, may WE be Leaping & WALKING & Praising God this Christmas...

Cooperation is spelled with two letters: W E...WELL, today is 'W' Day in the alphabet, the 23rd letter of the Alphabet, & December...Look WITH me at 'W' WORDS today as WE prepare our Hearts & Minds for Christmas 2012...The first 'W' I WANT to share is from the book of Numbers 23:23 "WHAT hath God WROUGHT?...This WAS the 'First' message ever tapped out on the Telegraph, by Samuel F.B. Morse in 1832... on wires that had been strung from Baltimore to Washington D. C....Technology has come a long way baby since that Communications Miracle! WONDER WHAT Sam WOULD think about a WORLD gone WIRELESS? Of course, God has always been 'Just a Prayer aWAY! And in John 14:6, Jesus said, "I am the WAY, the Truth, and the Life...Not only that, but John said in John 1:1 "In the beginning WAS the WORD, and the WORD WAS WITH God, and the WORD WAS God."

Proverbs 8:12 says, "I,WISDOM, dwell WITH prudence, and find out knowledge of WITTY inventions...In Reality, God has made it All..."For WE are all His WORKMANSHIP, created in Christ Jesus unto Good Works, WHICH God has before ordained that WE should WALK in them." Ephesians 2:10...

For unto us a Child is Born, unto us a Son is Given...And His name shall be called WONDERFUL...Isaiah 9:6...Jesus said in John 4:14...But WHOSOEVER drinks of the WATER that I shall give, shall never thirst;But the WATER that I shall give shall be a WELL of WATER springing up into Everlasting Life. How WONDERFUL is that?

One announcement of Jesus' Birth came to Shepherds, WHO WERE keeping WATCH over their Sheep by night. Luke 2: 8...David said in Psalm 37:96..."Those that WAIT on the Lord shall inherit the Earth." Certainly, all of those that had WAITED for centuries received a Great Blessing that night, and lowly Shepherds WERE at the forefront...They WERE among the first to see the Babe WRAPPED in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger....The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not WANT...So heartening to hear about 'Layaway Angels' that are paying off layaway debts for thousands across the country. Jesus has also paid our debt, as the Perfect Lamb of God, The Light of the WORLD paid our 'Sin Debt'...Glory!

David said in Psalm 139:23 & 24: "Search me, O God, and know my heart, try me, and know my thoughts...And see if there be any WICKED WAY in me, and lead me into the WAY everlasting."...

Jesus is also called a WATCHMAN, and a WALL OF FIRE (Zechariah 2:5), The WORD, and WORM AND NO MAN.....Psalm 22:6 But I am a WORM AND NO MAN, and despised of the people...How sad that our Lover Was hated & rejected...both then & today...But please not us, as WE approach Christmas...May we be WITNESSES, and WORSHIPPERS... Praying above all that our names WILL be found WRITTEN in the Lamb's Book of Life.

'V' Day.....26 Days of Christmas...

Praying for you to have all the VIM & VIGOR you need for a VERY Merry Christmas...

Ho! Ho! Ho!...Just W,X & Y to go til Christmas Day, and then 'Z' Day on the 26th...Christmas is, in Reality, a Year-Long, or even a Life-Long Event...Familes, Far & Wide, center their year on Christmas, some family members traveling thousands of miles to be 'Home for Christmas'...So, let's VANISH despair, and look at some 'V' Words that hopefully will make our Christmas Merrier & Brighter...

Isaiah 7:14 "Behold! A VIRGIN shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call His Name Immanuel(God with Us)...God did VISIT us on that Holy Night...Sending a Savior to give us VICTORY through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who said in Revelation 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hear my VOICE, and open the door, I will come in to them, and will sup with them, and they with me."...Let's VOW to have a Christmas Eve VISIT with Jesus...And Open our Heart to The VINE....

Jesus said, "I am the VINE, you are the branches; they that abide in Me, and I in them, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me You can do nothing."...The Bible strongly suggests that abiding with anyone else or thing, is VANITY...Instead, let's allow Him to change our VILE body into one like His Glorious Body, as Paul said in Phillipians 3:21....And further, let us VOW to make our body a VESSEL of honor...What we are is God's Gift to us....What we Become...is Our Gift to God....

Jesus, The Good Shepherd, wants us to hear His VOICE, as 'Sheep of His Pasture', and 'Follow Him'...He wants to lead us through the 'Valley of the Shadow of Death' as it says in the 23rd Psalm, but Jesus 'Lights' every valley in our life...There can be 'No Darkness' with Him! 5 years ago, when I was flat on my back in UVA Hospital for about 6 weeks, undergoing 3 'brain' surgeries, I prayed the Alphabet constantly...Talking to God in this way was the 'Only' thing that gave me peace...Realizing, that I was VERY close to death...I still pray the Alphabet today. It seems to give order to my life...God, Brilliant Brain Surgeons...& the Alphabet...Saved my Life!

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, or of 'good report'...If there be any VIRTUE, or any praise, think on 'These Things' (Phillipians 4:8)

Thanks be to God, Who gives us the Victory through Jesus Christ our Lord....O grave, where is thy VICTORY....O Death, where is thy sting?(I Corinthians 15: 55-57)....

Merry Christmas to All....And to ALL a Good Day!

'U' Words for You....26 Days of Christmas...

UNTO Him that Loved US and Washed US From Our Sins...In His Own Blood.....

URGENT! Time is rapidly approaching to that Holy Night we remember the Angel shouted, "UNTO you is Born This Day in the City of David, a Savior, which is Christ The Lord!" (Luke 2: 11)....Before that night, everything was UNTO (In the direction of)...He's Coming! Proclaimed the Prophets in the Old Testament: The 'Fullness of Time' came that 'Starry Night' in Bethlehem...The One Who Loves US & is able to Save to the UTTERMOST (Hebrews 7:25) Came, not UNTO...But TO! The Most Glorious Night Ever! (Let's look at 'U' Words in my 26 Days of Christmas....

In the same chapter of Luke, Time skips ahead to the Temple, where 12-year old Jesus was already about His Father's Business, having somehow been left behind by His earthly parents. (Joseph & Mary) Jesus was talking to doctors & scribes, the most learned men of the day, and Luke records: "And all that heard Him were 'Astonished' at His UNDERSTANDING and Answers, (Luke 2:47)

In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus tells of the one who received the seed among the thorns, and was deceived by riches, that 'choked' the Word...and he became UNFRUITFUL.(Matthew 13:22)...

Jesus came that we might receive the 'Engrafted Word' that is able to save our Souls to the UTTERMOST (Hebrews 7:25)...As our High Priest, He Lives in Heaven today to Make Intercession for us, when we Confess our sins to the Father. (7:25b)...

In the Judgement, Jesus will not let UNFORGIVEN sins go UNPUNISHED, and declares in Matthew 25:30 that He will cast the UNPROFITABLE servant into 'outer darkness' where there shall be 'weeping and gnashing of teeth'...along with 'UNQUENCHABLE Fire'....To many, this is UNBELIEVABLE, but our Loving God 'Hates' Sin & Jesus was the 'Blood Sacrifice' for our Sins... UNBLEMISHED & UNSPOTTED by the world...Glory to God! Jeremiah states in Jeremiah 25: 29 that Jerusalem would not go UTTERLY UNPUNISHED, "For I will call for a sword UPON all the inhabitants of the earth."

Reach out to Jesus! He's Reaching Out To You! It's URGENT!

UNTO You, O God, I come to UNBURDEN my Heart to Your UNENDING Love...It is only as I UNDERSTAND Your Plan for Mankind, and 'Share Your Amazing Love', that I feel UPBEAT & USEFUL...Thank You for Sending Your Son! Merry Christmas in Heaven, In Jesus' Name I Pray, Amen.

Cornfields for 12-20-11....

Loving me some Christmas! Here we Go!!!!

Two-year old Granddaughter, Ellie Grace Fields, received an A+ in 'PRETEND SCHOOL' (An early Christmas present opened on Saturday)...She Rang the Bell, Took Roll, And assigned each of us a challenging assignment by pointing to us with her Magic Pointer Wand: ABC's, Numbers to 20, Nursery Rhyme, Exercise, etc.

Twelve-year old Madi stole the show in an OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS program at the Painter Creek Church of Christ last Sunday evening...Along with an AMAYSing solo of 'O HOLY NIGHT' by David Mays.

"I enjoyed kissing my Gal under the mistletoe," Jack beamed..."But it was even more fun 'Under her Nose', he laffed.

"That First Christmas was a 'Very Myrrhy Christmas'," Daniel said Merrily.

World's Meanest Man: "I don't care who you are Fatso! Get those reindeer off my roof!!"

"There's 'Lots' of things money can't buy," Rick said...."Unfortunately, none of them are on my wife's Christmas List...I'll hafta take out a Loan!!!" he Groaned.

"If it's 0 Degrees today, and it's supposed to be 'Twice as Cold' tomorrow...Just how Cold is it suppose to be?" Frank asked. BRrrr!

"When we Thank someone with 'Heartfelt Thanks'...It's just like we have also 'Given a Gift'," Preacher Mark said....."Thanking is Like Giving!"

"If you're feeling Stressed during the Christmas rush," Beamin' Betty said..."Just grab 'several cookies', or 'pieces of fudge'....They have 'No' Calories if you're eating them for 'Medicinal' Purposes," she winked.

Merry Christmas & A Happy New You!!!!

'T' Words...26 Days of Christmas....

Go TELL it on THE MounTain THAT Jesus Christ is Born....

TIME is nearing, and THINKING most folks have THEIR TREE TRIMMED...And are ready for Christmas...Remembering THAT Jesus mentions TEN virgins THAT TRIMMED THEIR lamps, but only Five had oil for THEIR lamps....Praying we all have Jesus in our heart, and isn't it TRUE, THAT our 'Best Gift' was hung on a TREE...1 Peter 2:24: "Who HIS own Self bare our sins in his own body on THE TREE, THAT we, being dead TO sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes you were healed."...Looking at 'T' Words TODAY in my 26 Days of Christmas...Only 5 days to go....

Just as THE Angel announced Good TIDINGS of Great Joy, Jesus grew up to TEACH Good TIDINGS of THE Kingdom of God (THE Church), THE 'Only' soul-saving institution on God's Footstool...Jesus is THE 'Only' One TO ever conquer Death & THE Grave...He TOLD the Jews he would in John 2:19.."Destroy THIS TEMPLE, and in THREE days I will raise it up." ( The Jews THOUGHT He was TALKING about THE actual TEMPLE, which TOOK 46 years TO build, but No! He was TALKING about THE Victory He was going to claim on THE TREE & THE TOMB in His Own Body!..Glory!

A Good Friend TOLD me one TIME, THAT THERE were TWO kinds of people; "Givers & TAKERS", And I believe THIS TO be TRUE...Praying we will all TEND TO be Givers THIS Christmas..& Beyond! Jesus said, "Where your TREASURE is, THERE will your heart be also....I'll TRY if you will...I'm TOLD THAT THE best angle for anything is the TRY ANGLE! lol

TENDER GRASS, TEACHER, TRIED STONE, TRUE LIGHT, THOU SON OF THE MOST HIGH GOD...(A demon-possessed man called Jesus THIS...Would THAT all of us in our right mind would do this 365! O For A THOUSAND TONGUES TO Sing My Great Redeemer's Love! THERE are well over a hundred names for Jesus THAT start with THE, and of course THE means 'One'...If I say 'Hand me 'THE' book, you know I'm TALKING about a specific one...Here are just a few TITLES THAT start with THE...THE BRANCH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, THE BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR, THE GOOD SHEPHERD, THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE, THE COMFORTER, THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD, THE LIVING BREAD, THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH, THE MESSIAH, THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE, THE KING, THE LAMB, THE LAST ADAM, THE WAY THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE....Such an Impressive list!

May we, as David said in Psalm 34:8..."TASTE and See THAT THE Lord is Good."...(And be TURNED On TO His TIMELY TRUTHS THIS Christmas.) Merry CHRISTmas!

'S' Words...26 Days of CHRISTmas...

STAR of Wonder, STAR of Light...STAR with Royal Beauty Bright...

Time is rapidly approaching to that SHINING Holy Night...when Christ our SAVIOR SPRANG forth into this world, Heralded by Angels, Worshipped by SHEPHERDS & Wisemen, who were guided by a STAR to where Sweet Jesus lay, and the Angels SANG!...SEARCH & SANCTIFY our heart , O SUSTAINER OF LIFE, that we might STILL SEEK Him this Christmas, both in SOULS and HOLY SPIRIT breathed SCRIPTURE, which is SHARPER than a 2-Edged SWORD......SPEAK O God, and may Your SERVANTS, the SHEEP of Your pasture, find SHELTER in the STORMS of Life from SATAN, who is SEEKING whom he may devour with his fiery darts....Be our STRONGHOLD O God...As we look at 'S' Words in my 26 Days of Christmas...

While millions await Christmas for a visit from Jolly Old SAINT NICK, who claimed to be a Christian, and actually put Christ at the center of his life ...by giving SACRIFICIALLY to the poor and children. The real Saint Nicholas lived in the 4th Century, and was known to drop anonymous gifts through an open window to those in need, whether rich or poor...In reality, the real Saint Nick was a model of how Christ would want His SERVANTS to live, even though 'Gift-Giving' probably started with the Wisemen bringing Gifts of Gold, Frankincense & Myrrh... Just as Christ would want us to give our Best...Feel certain also, that He would want us to enhance the STARRY-EYED WONDER of kids at Christmas.... & throughout the year....Joy!

SANCTUARY, SERVANT, A STAR, STONE CUT WITHOUT HANDS, STRENGTH TO THE POOR AND NEEDY. SPRING OF LIVING WATER, SALT OF THE EARTH, A SOWER, SANCTIFIER. SURE FOUNDATION...Just a few of the names for our Messiah, which means SAVIOR, and was also referred to as SON OF GOD, SON OF THE HIGHEST, SON OF THE BLESSED, SON OF MARY, SON OF DAVID & SON OF MAN.

When Jesus was born, the aged SIMEON SPOKE, as recorded in Luke 2:30: "Let thy SERVANT depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen Thy SALVATION." We can see the SAME SALVATION that SIMEON SAW through Faith + Obedience...As the Apostle Paul STATED in Hebrews 5:8 & 9..."For though He were a SON, yet learned He Obedience through the things which He SUFFERED; And being made PERFECT, He became the Author of Eternal SALVATION unto ALL that Obey Him.

SEARCH me O God, and know my Heart. Try me and know my thoughts, and SEE if there be any wicked way in me, and lead us all in the Way Everlasting, In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

SAVIOR like a SHEPHERD lead us
Much we need Thy tender care...

26 Days of Christmas...'R' Words...

Make ROOM in your Heart this Christmas....

There was no ROOM in the Inn for the Lovely ROSE OF SHARON, but Angels REJOICED.... & RIVERS OF LIVING WATER arrived gently into the world to offer us REDEMPTION, REFUGE FROM THE STORMS...& a RANSOM FOR MANY...On that First Christmas Night...Let us not forget that HE is the REASON for the Season as Christmas 2011 draws ever nearer...7 Days to Go.....Looking at 'R' Words today in my 26 Days of Christmas...MERRY CHRISTMAS ROCK OF AGES!...and All of those READING this Prayer Bathed Post....

RIGHTEOUS BRANCH, RESTORER, REDEEMER, RABBI, RULER, REFINER...Whatever the name, Jesus is more precious than RUBIES, and He alone has the Words of Life & REQUESTS to be REMEMBERED on this THE LORD'S DAY at the Supper He instituted, even before His death on the cross for us. (My father-in-law, Bill Kennedy, once told me that his favorite country song was TIS SO SWEET TO BE REMEMBERED by Hank Weisman...And Certainly our RICH REWARDER has REASON to be!!)

What does the Lord REQUIRE of us but to Do Justly, Love Mercy...& Walk Humbly with Our God...Micah 6:8.

REMEMBERING what the Apostle Peter, who our Lord gave the Keys of the Kingdom to, told the thousands assembled on Pentecost, when they asked, "What must we do?"...."REPENT & be baptized for the REMISSION of sins,"...& 3,000 obeyed the gospel call...& were added to The Church He Purchased with His Own Blood....

Aren't you glad we Serve a RISEN Savior that's in the world today...I know that He is Living, no matter what men may say. (From the song, HE LIVES)

REVERED REDEEMER, May we be REDHOT READY to RUN the RACE with RELISH, and yes, Patience also...May we REACH out to You O God, as You REACHED out to us....With Your Darling Son, In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

'Q' Words...26 Days of Christmas...

Praying for QUANTITY of Life...& for the QUALITY of Life found only in Him...

As Christmas draws ever nearer, many folks are thinking about that little old driver named Saint Nick, who is lively & QUICK...& who moves through our houses QUIET as a mouse...While spreading good cheer & leaving presents galore....Today is 'Q' Day in my 26 Days of Christmas....& it's coming QUICKLY...only 8 days left...Jesus said, "Behold I come QUICKLY!" And of course He wasn't referring to Christmas, but the Second Coming, at which time we won't have time to get ready for His coming, for He will come like a 'thief in the night'....

David instructed us in Psalm, Be QUIET, and know that I am God...Certainly, even Moses 'Exceedinly QUAKED' in God's presence at the Holy Mount...And Paul tells us in Hebrews that 'It's a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God." (Hebrews 10:31)...QUICKEN our heart for the QUALITY of life found only in You, O QUINTESSENTIAL Spirit ( QUINTESSENTIAL means pure & highly concentrated & certainly our Savior is all that!)

the Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:15 to take the 'Shield of Faith' that we might be able to QUENCH the fiery darts of Satan...So 'Very' Important that we do this for Jesus said in Mark 9:43-46 that it would be better for us to cut our own hand or foot off, or pluck out our own eye than to go to Hell, where the worm dieth not & the fire is not QUENCHED.

Paul also instructs us to put up with 'one another'...And forgive 'one another'...If we have QUARREL with anyone...Forgiving 'one another' as Christ has Forgiven us.

So Very thankful this Christmas for the gift of life on God's Amazing Footstool, and that I have the desire to pick up a QUILL, so to speak, and try to pen words of appreciation to our Glorious Redeemer...May you have the Best Christmas ever, as we remember the Best Christmas Ever...The First One, when our Messiah, & Immanuel (God with us!), came as a baby in a manger. "Glory to God In The Highest And On Earth, Peace, Goodwill To Men!"....And all of God's people said, _ _ _ _

'P' Words...The 26 days of Christmas......

Praying You have a Perfectly Pure Priceless Christmas...

The PRINCE OF PEACE, our High PRIEST, and PROPHET Mighty in Deed & Word (Luke 24:19)...Who was born in a Manger...Led a PERFECT life that we might obtain the PRIZE of the High Calling in Christ, and said,"What would it PROFIT a PERSON if they gained the world, but lost their own soul?"...But Jesus PAID It All & offers us Exceeding Great & PRECIOUS PROMISES...9 Days to Go..26 Days of Christmas....Today, 'P' Words....Jesus was THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE...

Jesus PAID it All
All to Him I Owe
Sin had left a Crimson Stain-
He Washed it White as Snow.
(This is the kind of White Christmas I Wish for All of my Friends that haven't been washed in the Blood of the Lamb....He Offers PEACE & PARDON to All.)

And Jesus offers the PERFECT Stocking Stuffer...The PRIZE Of The High Calling in Christ Jesus (Phillipians 3:14)...& Under the Tree He wants us to Find..... & Put on...The Whole Armor of God.

Our Best Gift for Jesus is ourselves of course, but next to that would be to help the POOR, realizing that if we give a cup of water in His name, we've given it unto Him..& realizing we shouldn't think too highly of ourself for Jesus said in Matthew 5:3 "Blessed are the POOR in spirit: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."

Hope & PRAY You Shine to the Nines Today, remembering that PROVERBS tells us that 'Every Word of God is PURE'...PROVERBS 30:5...Godspeed!

O Words...26 Days of Christmas...

O HOLY NIGHT, WHEN THE MESSIAH, CHRIST JESUS, WAS BORN THAT NIGHT LONG AGO, GIVING MEANING TO ALL OUR DAYS & NIGHTS...TODAY, THE 15th, LET'S LOOK AT 'O' WORDS PRIMARILY..... IN MY 26 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS...

ONLY BEGOTTEN OF THE FATHER, OUR POTTER, OUR SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST, OUR CAPTAIN, OUR LIFE, OUR GUIDE, OUR PEACE, OUR KING, OUR LAWGIVER, OUR JUDGE.

SONG OF SOLOMON 1:3 SAYS, "BECAUSE OF THE SAVOUR OF THY GOOD OINTMENTS, THY NAME IS AS OINTMENT POURED FORTH"...THE OINTMENT CHRIST OFFERS IS FREE, ABUNDANT, READY, FRAGRANT & HEALING.

OUR LORD IS OMNIPOTENT, OMNISCIENT & OMNIPRESENT...JESUS SAID IN REVELATION 3:20, "BEHOLD! I STAND AT THE DOOR AND KNOCK: IF ANYONE HEARS MY VOICE, AND WILL OPEN THE DOOR, I WILL SUP WITH THEM, AND THEY WITH ME." (I LOVE THE PAINTING BY HOLMAN, WHICH DEPICTS CHRIST STANDING AT A DOOR KNOCKING, AND THERE IS 'NO HANDLE' ON THE OUTSIDE...MEANING OF COURSE, THAT THE HANDLE IS ON THE INSIDE...WE HAVE TO OPEN THE DOOR!)

THERE'S A VERSE IN THE SONG, THE BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC, THAT SAYS,"THE ONENESS OF THE PATTERN IN THE MIND OF MEN IS ODD." JESUS SAID THERE IS ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, ONE BAPTISM, ONE GOD & FATHER OF US ALL....PRAYING WE HAVE ALL OBEYED HIS NON-GRIEVOUS COMMANDS, BEEN RE-BORN...AND ARE LOOKING FOR HIS SECOND COMING.

ONLY YOU, O GOD, LOVED US ENOUGH TO OFFER UP YOUR SON, AS THE PERFECT LAMB OF GOD, WITHOUT SPOT OR BLEMISH, TO MAKE A WAY FOR US TO GO TO HEAVEN....SOME SWEET DAY! ALL GLORY TO YOU AND HIM, IN JESUS' NAME I PRAY, AMEN

26 Days of Christmas...'N' Words...

Christmas Time's a Comin'...Day 14 'N' Words...26 Days of Christmas...JESUS OF NAZARETH, the 'Best Gift' ever Given, Who came to 'Make all things NEW', by being the Mediator of a NEW Covenant... & earnestly desires for us to become a NEW CREATURE, and as NEW-Born babes, to desire the sincere milk of The Word....Wants us to Love Him with All Our Heart, Mind & Soul this Christmas...The Reason For The Season!
NAME ABOVE EVERY NAME, NAIL IN A SURE PLACE...These are the only 2 N Word names I found for our Messiah.

I heard of a business man, who became a Christian, and to be reminded of how much Christ gave for him, he placed a large NAIL in his cash register, and every time he sold something....Cha Ching!... he would see the NAIL, and realize his salvation was purchased at a treemendous price....Like the song:
Was e'er a Gift like the Savior given?
NO, NOT One!....NO, NOT One!

Just as Shepherds, & Wisemen from afar, bowed at the manger in Bethlehem on that glorious first Christmas, Paul said in Romans 14:10..."For we shall all stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ"...& then in the NEXT verse he quotes Jesus, "Every Knee Shall Bow To Me, And Every Tongue Shall Confess To God."

Almighty God, Help us to draw NIGH unto You, realizing that when we do, YOU will draw NIGH unto us. Help us to NOT stray from the NARROW Way... But Love our NEIGHBOR as ourself...We NEED You every hour, minute & NANOSECOND, O God, our Strength and our Redeemer. In Jesus's NAME I pray, Amen.

CORNFIELDS for December 13, 2011....

Ellie told Elf on the Shelf to tell Santa she'd been 'Really Good' lately....I have no doubt!

"It takes 73 muscles to frown, and only 14 to smile," Preacher Mark said- "No wonder grouchy people are always tired!" he laughed.

Christmas Wish: YULE LAFF YOURSELF SILLY...

"Christmas always worries me," Frank said..."My wife always gives me presents I can't afford." lol

"Last Christmas was a White Christmas sure nuff, Jack said..."When I saw the bill, the blood drained out of my face completely!"

Motel Sign: CLEAN ROOMS LOW RATS

Newspaper Ad: Twas the night before Christmas
And all through the house...
Not a creature was stirring-
Not even a mouse.
(Atlas Exterminating Company)

Modern day policeman: "I don't care what star you're following...GET THOSE CAMELS OFF THE HIGHWAY!" lol

"I've come to realize I'm a 'much more forgiving person' than my wife," Mike said..."When I say or do something stupid, I forgive myself 'Way Before She Does' !! (I heard that!)

Bumper Sticker: R U READY TO FACE the BOOK or TWITTER in HELL...

"Do what gets you so excited you can't sit still," Coach said- "No dream is is impossible...If it really gives meaning!"

And you shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins. Matthew 1:21

MAJESTY...Day 13,,,'M' Words...26 Days of Christmas...

MARVELOUS MAKER, O MAJESTY ON HIGH, How MAJESTIC is Your Creation in all the Earth, and never MORE noticeable in humankind as Christmas draws nearer...12 days to go & halfway home on MY 26 Days of Christmas...Today... 'M' Words...I know You referred to Your Son as MY BELOVED SON & MY FIRSTBORN...How aMazing at His birth in Bethlehem that the Angels called Him IMManuel (God With Us) and MESSIAH (Savior)...Noting He was also referred to as MAN OF SORROWS, no doubt for all the pain & suffering, and Blood, Sweat & Tears He shed on our behalf just 33 years later.

Thank You for sending Your Son, MESSENGER OF THE NEW COVENANT, for us to know just what to do. Realizing Father, that You are not willing for any of us to perish, and that You created us to be 'Free MORAL Agents'...MAY we choose to follow You, realizing Your MIGHTY Works of Old all point to Your MARVELOUS Son, Born in a MANGER, so that we could MAKE our way back to You.

MAY we Praise You like David in Psalm 144:2...MY GOODNESS, and MY FORTRESS; MY HIGH TOWER, and MY DELIVERER; MY SHIELD, and He in whom I trust....In Jesus's Name I pray, Amen.

Happy Birthday to THE LIGHT...Day 12...

Happy Birthday to THE LIGHT OF THE MORNING, The One whose birthday is coming soon, The One Who called us the LIGHT of the World, and instructed us not to hide it under a basket, but Set it on a Hill...Thank God for THE LIGHT this morning as we LOOK at L Words in our 26 Days of Christmas...As God has Blessed us & LOVES us this morning>The Sun is on the horizon and a New Day is Dawning! Thankful for THE LILY OF THE VALLEY, THE BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR...

The LAMB OF GOD, LORD JEHOVAH, LORD JESUS CHRIST, THE LIFE, THE LION OF JUDAH, the LIVING STONE, LIVING WATER, LIVING BREAD, LORD OF LORDS, LIGHT OF THE GENTILES...Who is also called LOVE...

Almighty God, LEAD us this day that we will allow ourselves to be LED by the GOOD SHEPHERD, who came to Earth nearly 2,000 years ago, to Redeem mankind by LAYING down His LIFE, a ransom for our sins...Greater LOVE has no man, than to do that! In Jesus's Name I pray, Amen.

Happy Birthday to The KING....Day 11...K Words...

26 Days Of Christmas....

Happy Birthday To The KING! No, Not Elvis...How about KING IN HIS BEAUTY, KING OF GLORY, KING OVER ALL THE EARTH, KING OF NATIONS, KING OF SAINTS, KING OF HEAVEN, KING OF THE JEWS...All Bible Names for the One whose Birthday is in 13 more days...This is my Post on Day 11 of 26 Days Of CHRISTMAS... K Words....Thankful Today for The LOVE OF CHRIST which Passes All KNOWLEDGE. (Ephesians 3:19)

Christ was 'Born to Die' as the Perfect Lamb of God, without Spot or Blemish, but at Christmas we think of Him as a Baby & Thank God for Babies! Thank God For KIDS! This Christmas, may we Humble ourselves as a little Child, and come to the KNOWLEDGE of the Truth...May we be KIND one to another, as Paul instructed in Ephesians 4:2..& isn't it true that if we're Not KIND, we're the Wrong KIND. lol

Peter instructs us to Grow in Grace & KNOWLEDGE of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in 2 Peter 3:18... Like the Church Sign...WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM....May we come to KNOW Him more intimately...& Heed His Words in Matthew 10: 28..."Do Not Fear those who KILL the Body, but are unable to KILL the Soul; but rather, Fear Him Who is able to cast both Body & Soul into Hell." So thankful that God Answers KNEE-MAIL..

KNOCKING on bended KNEE O God, to KINDLY Thank YOU for Your KINDNESS in sending a Savior to Redeem Mankind...Help us to KEEP On KEEPING On For You. In The Name Of Our KING, Jesus Christ, I Pray, Amen.

Day 10....J Words....26 Days of Christmas...

Today is J Words & J stands for JESUS in my 26 Days of CHRISTMAS.
How could I even begin to be JOYFUL, JOLLY or JUBILANT without JESUS, The Mediator of a New Covenant, Who was born to die as The PERFECT LAMB OF GOD, without spot or blemish...nailed to 2 JOINTS of wood with 3 Nails.... so we could be 4-Given.
The story is told that a Candy Maker in Indiana wanted to tell JESUS'S Story with a candy cane, so he made a hard (Hard, because he wanted folks to realize that JESUS was the Rock on which his life was built.)... THE ROCK OF AGES...Also, White, to symbolize the sinless nature of of JESUS CHRIST OUR SAVIOR. He shaped it in the form of a J for that reason also, but also wanted people to realize that when it was turned upside down, it symbolized a Shepherd's Staff, and JESUS, as the GOOD SHEPHERD, just like other shepherds, used the Shepherd's Staff to hook a leg of a little lost lamb that had gotten tangled in brambles in a ditch of life.. and pull it to safety....realizing that JESUS had rescued him.

The Candy Maker also painted 3 Stripes on his JESUS Stick, to symbolize, "By His Stripes we are healed"..Isaiah 53:5...He also placed one large RED Stripe to symbolize that JESUS'S Blood was shed for our sins to make us 'Whiter than Snow'...The Candy Maker wanted kids & adults everywhere to think of these things & experience the Sweetness & JOY that only JESUS can bring.

Just Jehovah, Thanking You today for JESUS OF GALILEE & JESUS OF NAZARETH, but really JESUS OF HEAVEN, Who now sits by Your side, and is also building a mansion for all those who have obeyed His non-grievous commands .....& have been Added to THE CHURCH that He Purchased With His Own Blood...Acts 20:28...Realizing that 'TO JOIN The Church' is not found in Your Holy Word....Desiring Mercy O God, and not JUSTICE, Because of Your Grace, In JESUS'S Name I pray, Amen.

Day 9....i Words...26 Days of Christmas...

Day 9...'i' Words...(in preparing to celebrate the Birthday of Christ.)
Jesus solved the i problem...if we'd listen, when He said, "It is more Blessed to Give than Receive. But isn't it True that S.I.N. (Self Indulgence Now) entices us to think What's In It For Me...We 'All' have a tendency to tune in to that very popular radio station....WIIFM...Jesus said, 'I AM THE IMAGE OF THE INVISIBLE GOD...AYE! AYE! CAPTAIN OF MY SALVATION!

Jesus also affirmed: I AM THE DOOR, I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE, I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD, I AM THE LIVING BREAD, I AM THE LIVING WATER, I AM THE VINE, I AM THE FIRST AND LAST, I AM THE ROSE OF SHARON, I AM THE LILY OF THE VALLEY, I AM THE ROOT AND OFFSPRING OF DAVID, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS...And at least 50 other I AM'S In the Bible...Plus, Jesus said, I AM THAT I AM...Jesus is our Great Gift with 'All' of the Answers to life's questions...Jesus is IMMORTAL and so are we...There was once a time we never were, but after we were born, there will 'Never' be a time we will not Be....& we get to Choose: Smoking or Non-Smoking...

TEA PARTY
I had a little Tea Party this afternoon at three-
Twas very small....three guests in all,
Just I, Myself, and Me;
Myself ate all the sandwiches,
While I drank all the Tea...
Twas also I that ate the Pie...
And passed the Cake to ME.

IMMORTAL I AM, Grant that we will search out ways to 'Give Back' with this Day You've Given Us. Help us not to Hog the Tea, the Sandwiches...or the Pie. Help us Not to be 'Me Deep In Conversation', but rather, Realize that 'Everyone' knows something we don't know, and are The Crowning Touch of Your Creation...Help us to Share Love & Goodwill...and Miles of Smiles, IMMANUEL....O God, You Are Truly With Us! In Jesus's Name I Pray, Amen.

Day 8..'H' Words...26 Days of Christmas...

‎"Children are a HERITAGE of the Lord," David said in Psalm 127:3...And since today is 'H' Day...Day 8 on my 26 Days of Christmas, I want to wish my firstborn son a HAPPY Birthday in HEAVEN. Larry Andrew Fields would have been 40 today. (More about HIM later, but first, let me write about the FIRST BEGOTTEN OF THE DEAD who was born on a HOLY NIGHT that first Christmas Day.)

HARK The HERALD Angels Sing...O HOLY Night when the HOLY ONE OF GOD became the HOPE OF HIS PEOPLE ISRAEL ( Israel means 'Lover of God'...hence, Lover of God today also refers to Gentiles, and 'all' those who HONOR, HUMBLY follow...& obey HIS precepts.)

HOSANNAH! HALLELUJAH! God sent HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, HIM WHO MY SOUL LOVETH. (Song of Solomon 3:2)...Thanks be unto God for HIS UNSPEAKABLE GIFT...HIS Gift HUNG on a tree for us...The Perfect Lamb of God, without spot or blemish, died for our sins that we might choose HEAVEN over HELL by putting on the HELMET OF SALVATION and enjoy the HARMONY of HIS HEAVENLY HANDIWORK.

HE THAT LIVETH FOREVER AND EVER, HEIR OF ALL THINGS HORN OF SALVATION, THE HIGHEST, HEAD STONE OF THE CORNER, HEAD OF THE CHURCH, HIM WHO MY SOUL LOVETH...(All Names attributed to Christ.)

Forty years ago today, I was waiting, with great expectation, outside a delivery room at Clinch Valley Hospital in Richlands, Virginia. Finally, after several hours, the doors burst open, and the doctor said to me, "You have a healthy son, and your wife is fine!...My son was screaming in the background , and I was streaming tears of joy! After Hugging my Mother-In Law, Polly Kennedy, I left immediately to make two telephone calls.... on a pay phone (no other was available...It was a different time.) The First was to my Mom, who was anxiously waiting at her Harman, Virginia home...the second call was to Grundy Junior High, where I was teaching at the time.

Thirty minutes later, when I went upstairs (taking them 3 at a time.) to the Nursery, I looked through the glass for a glimpse of my son...What I saw was a million times worse than any horror show I'd ever watched...From the Delivery Room to the Nursery, Larry Andrew's lungs had collapsed, and he was now in an incubator fighting for his life...I prayed and watched and cried, my breath fogging the glass, even as Larry Andrew's breath fogged his incubator..."What plans I have for you little fella," I thought as I watched, and willed his little lungs to get stronger, his little heart to keep beating....A nurse came out and said they were doing everything they could, giving me a glimmer of hope..."He's a fighter!" she said..."He just might make it!"...(Come on Larry Andrew! You just have to see the room we've fixed up for you! We've worked on it for months! You're Gonna Love It! But right now, I better go see your precious mommy & I've got to be brave!)...My feet were like lead as I slowly trudged down the hall.

Sandy immediately sat up when I entered her room, smiling through her pain, for she too had heard his healthy screams, and thought all was well with our world...Sadly, she saw the pain through my smile, and we cried and prayed and hugged...For two days, I went back and forth from her room to the Nursery, where I watched and prayed and cried, and willed him to breathe on his own.

At the graveside service, several days later, Jim Hill, who was preacher at the time of the Vansant Church of Christ, quoted David when he had also lost a son, "Absalom! Absalom! My son Absalom, would God I had died for thee! You cannot come to me, but I can go to you."

Andrew's Grandparents had to be helped to their vehicles, and so did we...Yes! Children are a HERITAGE of the Lord, and God blessed us to HAVE another son, Laddy, who is often referred to as Superman by his friends and family....We haveone precious Granddaughter, Ellie Grace Fields...She has the same initials as my Dad, Earl Gratton Fields...He would be so proud! God is Good!

HALLOWED Father, HASTEN to HELP my Facebook Friends put Christ in their Christmas this year. Be an EVER PRESENT HELP in times of trouble. May our HAPPY HEARTS Rejoice in Your HEAVENLY HANDIWORK! In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

SNOW DIARY......

SNOW DIARY.......

December 8: 6:00 PM.

It started to snow. The first snow of the season and the wife and I sat for hours by the window watching the huge soft flakes drift down from heaven. It looked like a Grandma Moses Print. So romantic we felt like newlyweds again. I love snow!

December 9:

We woke to a beautiful blanket of crystal white snow covering every inch of the landscape. What a fantastic sight! Can there be a more lovely place in the Whole World? Moving here was the best idea I've ever had. Shoveled for the first time in years and felt like a boy again. Made a Snowman!! I shoveled both our driveway and the sidewalks. This afternoon the snow plow came along and covered up the sidewalks and closed in the driveway, so I got to shovel again. What a perfect life.

December 12:

The sun has melted all our lovely snow. Such a disappointment. My neighbor tells me not to worry, we'll definitely have a white Christmas. No snow on Christmas would be awful! Bob says we'll have so much snow by the end of winter, that I'll never want to see snow again. I don't think that's possible. Bob is such a nice man. I'm glad he's our neighbor.

December 14:

Snow, lovely snow! 8" last night. The temperature dropped to -20. The cold makes everything sparkle so. The wind took my breath away, but I warmed up by shoveling the driveway and sidewalks. This is the life! The snowplow came back this afternoon and buried everything again. I didn't realize I would have to do quite this much shoveling, but I'll certainly get back in shape this way. I wish I wouldn't huff and puff so.

December 15:

20 inches forecast. Sold my van and bought a 4x4 Explorer. Bought snow tires for the wife's car and 2 extra shovels. Stocked the freezer. The wife wants a wood stove in case the electricity goes out. I think that's silly. We aren't in Alaska, after all.

December 16:

Ice storm this morning. Fell on my butt on the ice in the driveway putting down salt. Hurt like heck. The wife laughed for an hour, which I think was very cruel.



December 17:

Still way below freezing. Roads are too icy to go anywhere. Electricity was off for 5 hours. I had to pile the blankets on to stay warm. Nothing to do but stare at the wife and try not to irritate her. Guess I should've bought a wood stove, but won't admit it to her. I hate it when she's right. I can't believe I'm freezing to death in my own living room.

December 20:

Electricity's back on, but had another 14" of the stuff last night. More shoveling. Took all day. Snowplow came by twice. Tried to find a neighbor kid to shovel, but they said they're too busy playing hockey. I think they're lying. Called the only hardware store around to see about buying a snow blower and they're out. Might have another shipment in March. I think they're lying. Bob says I have to shovel or the city will have it done and bill me. I think he's lying.

December 22:

Bob was right about a white Christmas because 13 more inches of the white stuff fell today, and it's so cold it probably won't melt till August. Took me 45 minutes to get all dressed up to go out to shovel and then I had to pee. By the time I got undressed, peed and dressed again, I was too tired to shovel. Tried to hire Bob who has a plow on his truck for the rest of the winter; but he says he's too busy. I think he's is lying.

December 23:

Only 2" of snow today. And it warmed up to 0. The wife wanted me to decorate the front of the house this morning. What is she ... nuts??? Why didn't she tell me to do that a month ago? She says she did but I think she's lying.

December 24:

6". Snow packed so hard by snowplow, I broke the shovel. Thought I was having a heart attack. If I ever catch that guy who drives that snowplow, I'll drag him through the snow by his hair. I know he hides around the corner and waits for me to finish shoveling and then he comes down the street at a 100 miles an hour and throws snow all over where I've just been! Tonight the wife wanted me to sing Christmas carols with her and open our presents, but I was busy watching for the snowplow.

December 25:

Merry Christmas. 20 more inches of the #$%&*!! slop tonight. Snowed in. The idea of shoveling makes my blood boil.. I hate the snow! Then the snowplow driver came by asking for a donation and I hit him over the head with my shovel. The wife says I have a bad attitude. I think she's an idiot. If I have to watch "It's a Wonderful Life" one more time, I'm going to kill her.

December 26:

Still snowed in. Why did I ever move here? It was all HER idea. She's really getting on my nerves.

December 27:

Temperature dropped to -30 and the pipes froze.

December 28:

Warmed up to above -50. Still snowed in. SHE is driving me crazy!!!

December 29:

10 more inches. Bob says I have to shovel the roof or it could cave in. That's the silliest thing I ever heard. How dumb does he think I am?

December 30:

Roof caved in. The snow plow driver is suing me for a million dollars for the bump on his head. The wife went home to her mother. Another 9" predicted.

December 31:

Set fire to what's left of the house. Yippe! Snow more shoveling! here at The Home! These little White pills......Don'tcha have another color????

'G' Words...Day 7...26 Days of Christmas....

‎"GLORY to God in the Highest and on Earth, Peace! Good will to men!"...That was the Angel's announcement at Jesus's Birth, and today is 'G' Day, Day 7 in my 26 Days of Christmas. Hope we can draw closer to the GOOD SHEPHERD today.
Jesus is also referred to as GOVERNOR at his CHRISTmas Day birth...In Matthew 2:6..."And thou Bethlehem, out of thee shall come a Governor that shall rule my people Israel.
He is the GREAT LIGHT! Isaiah proclaimed in Isaiah 9:2 "The people that walk in darkness have seen a GREAT LIGHT: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them has the light shined.".... When Jesus raised the widow's son from the dead, all of the people GLORIFIED GOD, saying, "A GREAT PROPHET is risen up among us and GOD has visited His people!"....Sing with me, How Great Is Our God! Glory!...Praying we will be ready for that GREAT END DAY, where Jesus said in Matthew 24:30 "They shall see the SON OF MAN coming in the clouds of Heaven with Power and GREAT GLORY>

GLORIOUS GOD, Praising you this WINSday for the GREAT Victory we have in Your Son, and the GOOD GIFTS You GIVE us each & every day....not the least of which is GRACE, GOD's Riches At Christ's Expense...Truly, unmerited favor, O GOD...May this CHRISTmas approach the Beauty of the First One...On a Starry Night in Bethlehem nearly 2,000 years ago.
In Jesus's Holy Name I pray, Amen.

Cornfields for December 6, 2011

" If you eat a Christmas cookie fresh out of the oven, it has 'Zero' Calories," Betty beamed- "Everyone knows that the first cookie is 'the test'...and thus calorie free!" (Hoping this is also true for the heaping spoonfuls of Fudge I saved from the dishwater!) lol

"There are 25 million overweight people in America," Rick stated...."In 'Round' figures!"

Bob said his Grandfather was hard of hearing and had to 'read' lips..."It wouldn't be so bad, but he uses a yellow highlighter!"

Preacher Mark was once a dairy farmer before he heard the call....And now he 'Calls' the Herd!"....

'Thanks to Tai Chi, I now feel overly qualified to defend myself against an army of Slow Motion Ninjas," Jack said, with a slow- motion Karate chop....

Breaking News: The Deer head over the fireplace at Exit 7 Cracker Barrel now has a 'Red Nose'.....( Can Santa be fire behind?....Just sayin')

Sign in a Kitchen: A MESSY KITCHEN IS A HAPPY KITCHEN AND THIS ONE IS DELERIOUS

Sign in a store: PRE-AFTER CHRISTMAS SALE

" Toys are High Tech...Perhaps too High Tech," Debbie said..."I picked up one doll and it yelled 'Mommy'!...The one next to it yelled 'SECURITY'!....And the store went on 'LOCK DOWN'!"

More important than our Ability, is our Availability and Reliability," Coach challenged.

Golden Oldie Observation: Old age isn't the 'only' thing that comes without effort....Fat Cells for instance! lol....I herd thet!

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Matthew 1:23

Day'6'...26 Days of Christmas....

Six...Day '6' in 26 Days of Christmas...Today, Dec.6....'F' Words......
Laying aside the Royal Robes of Heaven, Jesus came to be a FRIEND OF SINNERS.(Jesus's own words!)...In other words, Jesus came for us all..."For all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God."(Romans 3:23) Jesus came to FORGIVE & FORGET our sins when we obey His commands.(Heb. 5:8-9)...F+O=S...Faith + Obedience = Salvation.
FIRST AND THE LAST, FIRST BEGOTTEN OF THE DEAD, FIRSTBORN OF ALL CREATION, FIRSTBORN OF MANY BROTHERS, FOUNTAIN OF LIVING WATERS, FULLNESS OF THE GODHEAD BODILY, FAITHFUL WITNESS...And in Revelation, Jesus is the one sitting on a white horse,when John saw Heaven open up...John calls Him FAITHFUL AND TRUE.
FRIEND THAT STICKS CLOSER THAN A BROTHER...(O how I wish I could have my brother in the flesh, David Earl Fields, back on this earth!)
SURE FOUNDATION, THE FIRM FOUNDATION, FISHER OF MEN...( Several of His FOLLOWERS were FISHERMEN that became FISHERS of men & women...like the church sign: YOU CATCH 'EM, HE'LL CLEAN 'EM...When Jesus FORGIVES our sins, He FORGETS our sins (As FAR as the East is FROM the West!)...It's like He casts our sins in the deepest ocean & puts up a sign, NO FISHING...He's not going to remember them & He doesn't want anyone else to either!)
FAITHFUL FATHER, Help us to FLEE youthful lusts, and FOCUS on adding, in great abundance, the FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT, to our lives. FEED us FATHER, that we might have a FIRM FOUNDATION, FIGHT the Good FIGHT & be a FAITHFUL FOLLOWER. In Jesus's Name I Pray, Amen.

26 Days of Christmas...Day 5...'E' Words...

‎26 Days of Christmas...Day 5...'E' Words...
The Greatest 'E' word ever uttered was spoken by an Angel before Jesus's birth when the Angel told Joseph not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife, "For the Child that has been conceived in her is full of the Holy Spirit...And you shall call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins."...And then the Angel continues speaking to Joseph in his dream, quoting the prophet, Isaiah, in Isaiah 7:14 "And they shall call His name EMMANUEL, which being interpreted means, 'God With Us'....Christmas is all about EMMANUEL...Don't you think?
Christ is also referred to in Isaiah 11:10 as 'an ENSIGN for the people'...Fly your Christmas flag high Facebook friends... for Jesus said in John 12:32 "If I be lifted up, I will draw all people unto Me."
This Christmas, let us do as David said in Psalm 148:13..."Let us praise the Name of the Lord, for His Name alone is EXCELLENT."
This Christmas, let's pay homage to Christ who is also referred to as EXALTED EXCELLENCY and EVERLASTING KING.
This Christmas, praying I will take special notice of what Peter told the Ephesian Elders in 1 Peter 5:4 "And when the CHIEF ELDER (That's Jesus) shall appear, you shall receive an unfading crown of glory."...important to me because I was ordained an Elder in the Lord's Church last night!

Almighty God, May EACH and EVERYONE of us EVERYWHERE Open Your Gates And ENTER In To Receive Your EXCEEDING Great And Precious Promises. May we not look for a present under the EVERGREEN tree as the 'best gift' of Christmas, but realize that our 'Best Gift' was Your Son, Who Purchased our Salvation On A Tree.

In Jesus' Holy Name I Pray, Amen.

26 days of Christmas..Day 4...'D' Words....

‎26 Days of Christmas....Day 4....'D'
Tears flow, I can't help it, because this is the Lord's DAY and I'm remembering Jesus's tears.... and sweat & 'blood' He shed for me & thee on the cruel cross of Calvary...We are not commanded to remember His birth, as wonderful as it was, but Jesus himself, instructed us to remember His DEATH. Jesus said, "This DO in remembrance of Me," in Luke 22:19 when He instituted the Lord's Supper with the grape juice & unleavened bread.... before His ascension back to Heaven, and we have clear teaching that the Apostles instructed us to 'obey' His command on this the Lord's Day, December 4, 2011 A. D.

Christ is referred to as DAYSTAR, DAYSRING FROM ON HIGH, The DOOR, DELIVERER, DESIRE Of All Nations, and DIADEM Of Beauty (Isaiah says in Isaiah 28:5..."In that DAY shall the Lord of Hosts be for a DIADEM Of Beauty, unto His people.")

Remembering the Lord on the Lord's Day is so important, especially if we want to be remembered on that Great & Notable 'DAY of the Lord' when Jesus returns for the Faithful.

Almighty God, I pray that we might DILIGENTLY seek Your DARLING Son, may He be the DESIRE of our heart, as we look back to the cross this DAY. Grant that we will be DEDICATED & DETERMINED to give you and Your DARLING Son DIVINE DEVOTION as CHRISTmas 2011 draws ever nearer.

In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

26 Days of Christmas..Day 3....'C' Words....

‎26 Days of CHRISTmas....Day 3....'C' Words......
Christmas is said to be for Children, and isn't it true that each of us take on a Childlike spirit at Christmas? Christ was referred to as 'The Child' at His birth...Don't you just love the Cheerful Countenances we encounter as Christmas draws nearer....22 days and Counting....
Christ is also Called Counselor, Comforter, Chief Cornerstone, and Captain of the Host of the Lord.
Christ was born to die...The Perfect Lamb of God, the atoning sacrifiCe for our sins, that we might Choose life in Heaven with Him.
Christ gave us the Great Commission before His ascenscion back into Heaven, that we would know how to Commit to Him, and 'Go' and tell the World...Matthew 28:19-20.
Christ purchased the Church on Calvary's Cruel Cross that we might be Consecrated to Him....Such Amazing Love!

Almighty God, Thank You for sending Christ. May every person, and especially every Christian Commit to 'keeping Christ in Christmas'. Your amazing love Constrains us to be more than Conquerors.... because of Your Son, Who was born in a barn that we might be re-born.... Who Conquered the Cross & the Cave ("O death where is thy sting...O grave where is thy victory?...(1 Corinthians 15:55)

In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

26 Days of Christmas...Day 2....'B' Words...

PRAISING CHRIST Alphabetically.....
Day 2...Mostly 'B' Words...
The Beginning,the First-Born from the dead, Bright & Morning Star, Blessed Hope, Bridegroom, Bread of Life, Blessed and Only Potentate, The King in His Beauty, The Babe, A Friend that sticks closer than a Brother, Before all things and By Him were all things created, In Him we live & move and have our Being, The Balm of Gilead, The Only Begotten Son of God, Behold! The LamB of God which takes away the sin of the world! Behold! This is my Beloved Son, In Whom I Am Well Pleased...."He that Believes and is Baptized shall Be Saved."

Almighty God, Praising You this 2nd Day of DecemBer, for Your Great Gift, that died On a Tree for Me.... & as many as Believe & are oBedient to His commands...Your Son tells us in Matthew,"My Yoke is Easy and My Burden is Light."...Certainly, God, when we consider what the world & Beelzebub has to offer, there is 'No Comparison'! Help us that we might Believe in You, and Love You with All our Heart, Mind & Soul...You Alone have the Words of Life...

Bravo! You are The Best! Nothing else even comes Close! In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

26 Days of Christmas...Day 1...'A' Words...

Praising Christ Alphabetically: Hope to finish on December 26...Today...Mostly 'A' Words....
Day 1...Getting close to the time when Angels Announced His coming to be A Star Out Of Jacob....and The Author of Peace. Christ is also called Author And Finisher Of Our Faith...& Author Of Our Salvation...Annointed One.....Advocate with the Father...Apostle and High Priest.....and Alpha & Omega.

Almighty God, as we begin the Christmas season, Allow us to Praise You! Allelujah! Praising You today for sending Your Son, Jesus, to be An Atoning Sacrifice for our sins. All Authority and Power were given unto Him! Thanking You for the 33 Years You Allowed Him to walk on Your Footstool, And especially the 3 Years He taught the Apostles, who have instructed us through Your Holy Word.

You Are An Amazing Awesome God! Abba Father!
In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.