Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Happy New Year's Eve...



Fresh Start tomorrow....what will you do with it?

How about remembering the very first fresh start?

"In the beginning was The Word and The Word was with God,
and The Word was God" John 1:1
and then remember that no matter what changes...
God does not...and nether do His Promises.

Thank you God for all the blessings of this past year- both seen and unseen....understood and questioned...I am "standing" on what you said to Jeremiah- "For I know the plans I have for you, they are plans to prosper you and not to harm you. They are plans for a hope and a future." Amen
Grace and Peace,
DCC

Monday, December 29, 2008

Thank you....

I have been writing thank you notes for gifts I received- and realizing - there is no place to send a thank you note to God for the Greatest Gift of All-

Not just where do I send the note- but which stationary do I use- and what would I write?

I suppose I am to write it with the way I live my life-by the way I treat people...by not judging others...slowing down...patience with others...
Some of us call it a New Year's Resolution-


This year I am going to consider it a feeble attempt at a thank you note.


Grace and Peace,
DCC

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Christmas Eve...

"So That At The Name Of Jesus Every Knee Will Bow." Phil 2:10
May you and I bow, at the very thought, of what God has done for us...


"Glory to God in the Highest Heaven and Peace on Earth to all whom God favors."

God, I am overwhelmed with love and gratitude....Come again Lord Jesus.
Merry Christmas everybody,
DCC

Monday, December 22, 2008

Shepherds...

Shepherds at time of Jesus' birth
One of the most surprising things I learned in Israel, was that Shepherds were and are kids. really....and the majority of the time they are little girls.
I saw it with my own eyes in several different areas.

Getting geared up to hit the fields....
(Apparently,pink and purple are in style, for some)
Shepherds 2008
"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby,
keeping watch over their flocks at night"Luke 2:8"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you;
He is Christ The Lord." Luke 2:11

"While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born." Luke 2:6

"This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped on cloths lying in a manger." Luke 2:12Thank you God for sending your little Boy to know us, love us and walk among us. We love you so much!! Happy Early Birthday.

Grace and Peace,

DCC

Friday, December 19, 2008

Elise Naminad....

'Tis the season for the kids to perform....my favorite this year is a new song I keep hearing by my friend Mikey-
Here he is the playing it live, in concert...at the top of his lungs...with a full on guitar solo...ready for it.... "Elise Namidad." (Elise is apparently VERY happy about the Nativity.)

Whatever we hear- The song is the same...
Jesus came here!! to live among us!
Thank you God!!!

God, Thank you...for "Elise Namidad" no matter what the words are-it translates to one thing- YOU CAME HERE!

Grace and Peace,
DCC

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

To Know...

I was riding back from Beeville, Texas yesterday with three good friends. We laughed, chatted, contemplated, and debated over many things...one of which was where to eat lunch- I won....did I mention, I was behind the wheel?

At one point in our journey- I was changing channels...and came across "Feliz Navidad" playing on the radio. What made it extra special to hear, was the fact that the artist playing and singing it was sitting next to me in the front seat.
(Darrell Smith, "Ordinary Christmas," great new Christmas CD, by the way), but I digress....
Hearing him on the radio and knowing him, made me realize-

It is one thing to know the song- another thing to know the artist singing it.

It is one thing to appreciate a sunset- another thing to know Who created it.

It is one thing to stand in awe of a mountain- another thing to know Who built it.

It is one thing to look at the stars in wonder-another thing to know Who Hung them.

It is one thing to know about God- another thing to have a relationship with Him.

One week from today we will start the celebration of HIM coming HERE!
It is one thing to know it is someone's birthday -another thing entirely to Know The Birthday Boy.
God, thank you for coming here, to us...so we can truly Know You.
Grace and Peace,
DCC

Monday, December 15, 2008

Are you Ready?


"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

It is closing in on us...the day we celebrate this gift. Most people are getting more frazzled and hurried. Several people really feel the need to know, "Are you ready?!"

Well, today, I want to know, are you ready? Not is your list checked off....wrapped and ready to go...but are you ready, am I ready, to realize what this gift means to us!?!?!


Thank you God, for covering all of our needs. For knowing what we need before we do. Your provision is astounding and overwhelming. Please, prepare our hearts to accept the indescribable gift of Your Son.

Grace and Peace,

DCC

Friday, December 12, 2008

Wishful Thinking...

How great would this be!?!?! Head to the mall.....wait in the line...get the candy cane...and stroll up to get some one on one with The Birthday Boy Himself!

God, thank you for being ever present in our lives- We never need to wait in a line to spend time with you- and we are grateful.

Have a great weekend-

Grace and Peace,
DCC

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Happy Birthday Jesus!!!

I know this is an overstated argument...however, I have been really surprised at the people that say "Happy Holidays" Don't get my wrong, I appreciate the sentiment...but, it is a tad "off."

Two people in my Sunday School class just said "Happy Holidays" in response to my "Merry Christmas." Huh? you are kidding right?....they weren't.

So, now I have officially taken it up a notch, and am only saying "HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!" In order to eliminate any confusion on what I am celebrating this time of year-not to mention as a public service to others, in case they need reminding.

God, thank you for sending Your Son, Your One and Only Son, to Us-Please give us ways to remember Him and Why we even have a holiday in the first place! We are eternally grateful, (pun intended).

Grace and Peace,

DCC

Monday, December 8, 2008

Eiffel Tower

My Godson went to NYC this past weekend....he called home with a report of two sitings.
Snow and The Eiffel Tower.
Pardon me-
Mom- "You mean The Statue of Liberty, right?"
William-"No, The Eiffel Tower...and snow"
Mom- "You mean The Empire State Building, right?"
William- "No, I mean The Eiffel Tower. It was in a store- called FAO something....made of Lego'sThank you FAO Schwartz for saving us all the money to take him to Paris...
Well, this got me to thinking...what are others seeing as my "representation" of
Jesus? If they don't know him yet...but know I am a follower of Him...what do they see?

God, I pray that they see Love....The Lights and all of it.
Give them the desire to meet the real deal and not just settle for the "Lego" version.
Grace and Peace,
DCC

Friday, December 5, 2008

Ripped Off...

Birthday and Christmas on the same day? I must admit, I would not want that.
Let's make sure Jesus doesn't get ripped off again this year-


God, help us keep our focus on YOUR BIRTHDAY-


Have a great weekend


Grace and Peace,
DCC

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

December...

Break out the sparkly shoes-It's that time of year!

It's time for hot chocolate...little marshmallows please...lights in the streets..stockings hung by the chimney with care...
(not to mention, needlepointed to perfection! Thank you Hee Hee!)
It is time to turn The Blog towards Jesus Birthday!
Happy Early Birthday Jesus!

God, we are so easily distracted during this season...please help us all to remember exactly why we are hanging, sparkling, giving, receiving, decorating, lighting, laughing, eating and drinking. Thank you for sending Your One and Only Son, so that we may have eternal life.

Grace and Peace,

DCC

Monday, December 1, 2008

Water and Pretzels $1.00 each...

So I get the call on Saturday morning from my Godson. My presence was requested at his "store opening." Upon arrival, I find, not so much a store...but an antique table with a cash register on it...and a lovely sign letting the world know there is not only water, but pretzels for sale here.

The charge for this rare delicacy??

$1.00 for Water, and $1.00 for a Pretzel.

What happened to these sweet little girls and their 10 cent lemonade!!!???
I asked if they were serious and I was led to this sign.
With a face, that basically said, "lady, if you have to ask, you can't afford it."

The water was in the equivalent of a shot glass....mine came complete with a small stick in it AND a bonus- live bug. Totally worth the dollar I paid for it.

The best part was when I was asked for a sip, by the salesman.
Who in turn, took the entire glass down, said "sorry, I was thirsty."
The smaller assistant was sent into the backyard, for two reasons,
A-to clean the dog poop off of his feet, (probably in the newly cleaned pool)
B-to bring the wheelbarrow out to take the money away in. (ok.)

I was next instructed to stand out in front of the table and yell when people drive by.

Let me see if I can recap this for you;

Still in a turkey coma, I am awakened, dragged out of bed...basically, "robbed" by shorties, one missing his front teeth and his smaller assistant who had a foot covered in dog poo.

After the initial highway robbery...I am handed a very small cup of water with some bugs and a stick in it...soon the glass is taken from me...in order to satisfy their own thirst.

After all of this- I am asked help recruit more suckers such as myself.

(The water is not going to sell itself people!) As I am looking for more customers, I notice the manager of the store, pouring out the water on to the street, When I looked at him funny, he said -"What? The leaves looked really dry. Don't worry, I am saving some in case Mikey gets more dog poop on his feet."

God, thank you for all that you give us- When we treat you like a customer at our "stand", may we remember that is is Your's First. We are only here as your stewards.

Grace and Peace,

DCC