Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Goodbye 2008...
Hello 2009!

May you have a fun night and a relaxing day tomorrow...
Pork and kraut anyone?

Monday, December 29, 2008

My Profile Picture...

I really like the Teach/Learn reflection picture. It kinda sums up life with my kids on an average day. I really enjoy teaching them at home and seeing them learn and grow but I LOVE what I learn from them.
What do I mean?
--The way they interact so honestly with each other.
--The excitement about new things learned and willingness to share.
--The urgency to find the answer.
--The importance of doing it right.
--The way questions are asked to dig deeper.
--The daily repetition to master a new concept.
So what does this have to do with me?
--Am I honest with those around me? Do I tell the truth when asked how I am? Do I lie to myself that my spiritual life is fine-knowing I have far to go and fail often? Do I speak the truth in love to my husband, kids and my church family?
--Am I allowing the Lord to teach me new things and do I get excited about them and do I willingly want to share them.
--Do I have an urgency to find the Lord's answers in Scripture?
--Do I strive to do thing right? or take the easy way? or my way?
--When was the last time I searched and studied the Bible to know the Lord fuller? and stayed there until I did?
--How easily do I give up on doing what God has for me because it's hard; I'm not comfortable doing it; or I messed up?
Now what?
I pray and I pray that the Lord will work in my heart and life and make me the woman He wants me to be. Sounds like I've got some more learning to do...

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Merry Christmas!

May your Christmas be filled with the realization of God's love.
How AMAZING that GOD came to earth to save me-the truth of Christmas is really mind-blowing!!!!
May you know the Lord more completely.
--Because of HIM,
The Parrish Palace

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

previously on facebook...

I am often touched, encouraged and challenged by music. Maybe it's because my Daddy sings in church with such passion and surrounded me w/ALL kinds of music when I was little; maybe it's because my hubby has an incredible voice and is blest in the musical/acting arts; maybe it's the little bit of muscial ability (more appreciation than talent) that I have; or maybe it's watching my 'baby', Timothy, bloom and develop into his definate God given musical gifts--BUT I often hear God through songs & music--and I don't mean just hymns and the songs sung at church or listened to during offertory. Am I affected by those?--YEA! Yes, the typical classical pieces move me as well. But music points me to God from classical, instrumental, chant, dance, rock, gospel, blue grass, praise & worship, rap, hip hop and many more. And another thing, I like all kinds of music too-some more than others especially on certain days or with certain moods-you get my point...We know God is musical-has to be, He created ALL things! Am I allowed to enjoy and be spoken to by different kinds of music as another example of how BIG God is?I think so!!!So does He speak to you? How? But most of all, are you listening and obeying?

WHY JESUS IS BETTER THAN SANTA CLAUS

Santa lives at the North Pole ...
JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh ...
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year ...
JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies ...
JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited ...
JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.

You have to wait in line to see Santa ...
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap ...
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl,what's your name?" ...
JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future andHe even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly ...
JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO ...
JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry" ...
JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you."

Santa's little helpers make toys ...
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts,repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but ...
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree ...
JESUS became our gift and died on a tree. It's obvious there is really no comparison. We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about. We need to put Christ back in CHRISTmas, Jesus is still the reason for the season.

Yes, Jesus is better, he is even better than Santa Claus!

One of my favorite songs right now--This really challenges me to keep my life in check--CONSTANTLY!