Tag Archive for: birth

Merry Christmas from our home to yours!

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    Birthday Cake for Jesus
    Reading Christmas Story together

    MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS and Blessings from our home to yours,
    from Steve and Teresa and Skipper too

    Candles lit one by one
    Sacred moments
    Put aside exterior noise and commercial trappings
    Sit down to view birthday cake for Jesus
    One gold candle for the One to be crowned King.

    Focus as family take turns reading out loud verse by verse
    Oldest to youngest join in reciting the Christmas Story – the
    Birth announcement declared in Luke 2
    Rest of the world, life, put on hold
    Sets us back over 2,000 years ago to Bethlehem, the town of David in Judea.

    The angel speaks to Mary,
    Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.
    You will be with child and give birth to a son,
    And you are to give him the name Jesus.
    He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.
    The LORD God will give him the throne of his father David,
    And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever;
    His kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:29-33)

    Let these sacred words sink in
    Find a place to rest, take hold, germinate, and flourish
    We sing together: “Happy Birthday to You. Happy Birthday to You, dear Jesus.”
    Thank you for coming to earth.
    Thank you for saving my soul and saving the world.

    Thoughts to ponder – think back to how it must have felt for:
    Zechariah and Elizabeth
    Mary and Joseph
    Shepherds watch their flock by night
    Simeon, the Temple priest
    Anna, prophetess, who never left the temple awaiting the Savior

    Emotions:
    Joy, fear, doubt, and elation
    Surprise, confirmation, thankfulness, and devotion
    Trust, praising God in the Highest, brokenness, and pain
    Amazement and relief
    Just to name a few

    ***

    Happy St. Paddy’s Birthday to my Daughter!

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    Who knew that over 30 years ago my husband and I would be blessed with such joy? Joy came in the form of the birth of our first (and only) daughter, Amanda Sue. Until the birth of a child infuses your life, words fail to convey the awesomeness of such an event.   Amanda Birthday Collage 2

    Children do not come with an instruction manual. There are no warning labels attached to those tiny, perfectly formed fingers and toes. When their first breath or cry comes forth, your breath and heart pauses. What does come is an overflowing joy, awe, and fear of messing up this parenting role.

    As a second-time mom (the first, our son, appeared on the scene just 13 months earlier), I knew the basics. I understood the initial pain in childbirth, the post-partum depression, sleepless nights, endless feedings and change of diapers. Yet all those potentially negative aspects paled in comparison with the ultimate joy of bringing forth a living, breathing, precious human being.

    All that to say, Steve and I are eternally grateful to the Giver of Life and Light. He blessed us then and continues to bless us as we watch our grown up daughter. Amanda, your sparkling, beautiful eyes, boundless joy and energy continue to ignite all those around you. God blessed you with intelligence, ingenuity, love and concern for people and animals. I cannot imagine life without you and the special spot you hold within my heart. Love you to the moon and back again, hugs and love from Mom and Dad.  Happy Birthday!!!  

     *****

    Spring Release!

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    This brain tumor survivor is announcing that my book is now in the Design/Production phase. Looking forward to a Spring Release. I’ll be sharing glimpses of my personal journal entries interwoven in this frightening health crisis. You will learn of the need to regain control over three areas of life: mind, body, and soul. Then, and only then, can we experience joy and peace while learning to be still.           Green shoots - signs of Spring (Copy)

    I will keep you posted regarding progress. Thanking God and all my angel-helpers along the way who contribute to make this dream a reality. Totally excited to have you follow and come along with me in the birth of a new “baby!”

    Why we celebrate Easter

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    Take a few minutes to listen and read through this powerful, all-inclusive video detailing just why we celebrate Easter.