Christmas Hospitality

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, 

for by so doing some people 

have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. 

                             Hebrews 13:2 NIV

One of our Christmas traditions

is to visit my hometown cemetery.
We try to visit prior to the ushering in
of each new year. One year,
we arrived just before midnight
and jumped the gate with flashlights.

Old cemeteries are beautiful.
Our loved ones are laid to rest in a
beautiful peaceful place.

There is only joy in our visits.

Aileen, my friend of over 40 years, walks down the hill with
me to visit  Mrs. Dale, another friend's mother's resting place.

After visiting, our tradition, includes a drive up and down
the U-shaped cemetery road before leaving.

Here's the top:

Descending. Look close, we have visitors.

Turkey hens, out for a December walk in the cemetery sunshine. 

Do Good in Any Season

Let us not grow
weary in doing good,
for in due season we shall
reap if we do not lose heart.

               Galatians 6:9

Grace at Thanksgiving

Ephesians 1 15:23
Romans 12:2

Grace is what we receive but don't deserve.

My oldest sister, Mericia, was deeply faithful.
She was 18 years older and very old
fashioned. Today,  she would
probably be the poster child for traditional
values.

Not me, in 5th grade I became a feminist.
Accepting of all people and unconventional.
Commencing my magnetism for
wounded souls.
Hippie spirited.

At home, we were raised traditionally,
at celebrations,
men would eat first, then the women and then
the women would clear and wash up.

Boys were given enough rope to hang
themselves and girls were watched closely.

Yeah, whatever, this is America and I was not
going to conform. 

With two small children, my beautiful
36 six year old sister was diagnosed
with cancer.  A death sentence of 6 months.
Her physician sent her home
to get her affairs in order.

She kept journals and recorded a
message for each of  her children.

She prayed daily for a little more
time with her children. She was
faithful and didn't complain.
In a twist of cruelty, from the
radiation, she lost the ability to tear.
She could cry but the relief from tears
did not come.

My witness of her suffering,
her unwavering faith, and
commitment helped plant the
seed of compassion.
She held a deep belief,
no matter what
suffering was sustained
here on earth, her
reward would be in heaven.
She believed this with absolute conviction.

I am a better person for having
loved her. By witnessing grace,
my spirit grew.

Mericia lived on
for 7 years beyond her diagnosis.
She'd say, "We never know."

Be grateful in all things.
Not only the good, but
what develops our spirit,
what expands our servant
attitude, and in all things
prepare for His
kingdom.

For these things and so much more
I am truly blessed. 
Happy Thanksgiving my beloved. 

            Mr. Lee's siblings.  Top: Patrick, Ginny, Mr. Lee 
                       Spouses Bottom:  Denise, John, me                   

Words of Encouragement

Deuteronomy 28:7

New International Version (NIV)

⁷ The Lord will grant that the enemies 

who rise up against you will be defeated before you. 

They will come at you from 

one direction but flee from you in seven.

Fill your heart with courage.  

Make crafts.

Make memories.

Collect something. 

Smile.  

Wounded Warrior Chair

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Someone once described me as afflicted.
My girlfriends and I had years of laughter
over that one.
It doesn't even penetrate my armor any
more.  I find well meaning people say the odds things.

I have a colleague who says I watch
too much TV.  This may very well be true,
often while I sit crafting, reading or writing,
I listen to TV.  Most of what we watch is old.
Episodes of  I Love Lucy, Dick Van Dyke, and the
Andy Griffith Show. This colleague drinks every
night but I listened with a smile plastered on my
face and didn't provide a rebuttal. 
 
Another over eater, I can tell because she is
over weigh, too,  described me as a stress eater,
also true, but not something anyone needs to
point out.  I don't seek advise or comments.
I have a tendency to be shy, but open.
Individuals with internal wounds and bullies
alike seem to seek me out.

I feel every comfortable in my skin. In
fact, I like me, my husband says he adores me and my
precious children like me.


Here's what I know of this behavior, people
who point out your flaws are often deeply flawed.
It is their own failings they fear. To distract, they
project their venomous observations on their victims.
Better to turn the other cheek, not engage, and give thanks.

Let their words hang in the air. How do I show compassion,
with all my failings and disabilities,
spread joy?  Through the light of Jesus.

When Birte's husband, Fred,  passed away
she offered me his chair.  She had first
thought to donate it to the Wounded Warrior Project
but then thought I was her wounded warrior.

My affliction, is the result of a degenerative
disease, but she has witnessed the needling and
wanted to provide comfort.

Yes, yes, even in affliction give thanks.