I just got curious and thought I would check out Xanga again.  Couldn't believe my user name still worked.......Much is happening in my life right now.  Not sure where God wants me so until I'm sure, I stay put.  My daughter, Megan, is getting married in May after she graduates with a Masters in English.  It's been a long, hard road for her, but I'm proud of all that she has accomplished so far.....Arielle, my youngest, left me.  No, just kidding, she went away to Master's Commission which is a pretty intense discipleship program and includes college classes (thru Chesapeake Bible College).  Even though she's only less than two hours away, it has been difficult.  But I think we're all doing better.  My husband, Jerry, is trying to decide if he wants to retire this year or wait it out a little longer.  Lots of changes but necessary ones....

On Sunday, I went to hear my dad preach at a church in our area (he was visiting from Ohio).  This verse, Jeremiah 6:16, "spoke" to me: 

 This is what the LORD says:
       "Stand at the crossroads and look;
       ask for the ancient paths,
       ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
       and you will find rest for your souls.
       But you said, 'We will not walk in it.'

Wow, two months since I was on Xanga, well anyway, Merry Christmas to everyone!

The last few weeks have been difficult.  We have some neighbors and good friends who are really going thru a tough time right now.  Their 14 year old daughter, Veronica, is in Pittsburgh Children's Hospital because she needs a heart transplant.  Because money is so tight for the family, they have had to sleep on the floor at the hospital when a room is not available at the Ronald McDonald House.  You see, the Ronald McDonald House operates on a "lottery" system in which you have to put your name into the "basket" indicating that you need a place to stay for the night and then names are drawn for the available rooms.  If your name is drawn, you have a room for the night; if not, you don't.  Most days they can only afford to eat one meal.  They also have a one year old child who has to stay with the grandmother while mom and dad are 250 miles away in Pittsburgh.  Needless to say, there are so many other factors working against the family. 

Thank God, our friend gave his heart to the Lord this summer and wants to serve Him with all of his might.  I don't know what they would do without Jesus. 

Please pray for the Velez family.  I have entered their name in a drawing/contest for a $1000 gift certificate at a local radio station here, WJTL, by writing a 150 word essay explaining their situation and the need in their family.  Please ask God to give them "favor" as the contest judges make their decision. 

Sometimes, especially this time of year, when money is tight and we are trying to give the perfect gift that someone might like and appreciate or we realize we don't even have the money to buy a gift, we lose sight of what this "celebration" is all about...........LOVE, the greatest gift.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."  John 3:16