Saturday, December 31, 2011

Take Time in the New Year!

For some reason, this old hymn has dug its way into my thoughts....and I had to look up the rest of the verses, because I only could think of the first verse. There are lots of unknowns ahead for us....busy days, for sure. This hymn seems a fitting focus for the beginning of a new year!  The words are by William D. Longstaff, 1882 .  He was from Sunderland, England, and he was friends with Salvation Army founder William Booth, and evangelist Dwight Moody.

Take Time to Be Holy
  1. Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
    Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
    Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
    Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.
  2. Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
    Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
    By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
    Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.
  3. Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide;
    And run not before Him, whatever betide.
    In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
    And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.
  4. Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
    Each thought and each motive beneath His control.
    Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
    Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

    Hebrews 12:2
    ...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith...

Christmas Day....2011

Joy Has Dawned
Lyrics by Stuart Townend

Joy has dawned upon the world
Promised from creation
God's salvation now unfurled
Hope for every nation
Not with fanfares from above
Not with scenes of glory
But a humble gift of love
Jesus born of Mary
Stockings delight!
Travis and Jenny did not spend the night....something about being ALONE!
but they DID show up for breakfast.  
Cold cereal to choose from and sausage!
You know how you sometimes get a glimpse of the little one from several years back...?
Malea played some of her music pieces from memory.
It was a FULL day....beginning with worship with our church family, then a home full of family, friends, food, fun, fellowship.
What blessings we enjoy!

Christmas Eve-2011

Mr. Adorable! 
'Specially like that bottom lip! 
Pajama Hunt....they are beginning to catch on!
Finn likes his best for throwing...he's got a great arm! 
Hmmm...are those for Levi? 
Levi liked these better! 
Potato Soup, hot wings, relish, ranch and bread....
and a FULL FAMILY table! 
Chess 
Kids at play! 
Special gifts from Dwobknock!
Banana....stick.... 
smoked oysters... 
a key...empty shell... 
a frosting container of dirt... 
some baby food,
 and I can't remember what Jenn got! 
And Dwobknock goes to.........
live with Grandpa and Grandma for a year!
You Lucky people!  Remember, prominent place! 
Ana looks awesome in hats! 
Great Grandpa Danny and Phinneas 
Hannah made it before the end of the evening. 
Happy Birthday, Jesus.  
We're so glad you're with us! 
Can you eat your ice cream, 
while the candle stays lit?
That is the question!
Hannah made it!  Jordan will be proud!
Isaac took great pleasure in 
whooshing mine out!  = } 
Ready for bed...by the tree! 
Levi sets up camp a little farther away. 
The crowd at the base of the tree is a bit thin this year.  
Lindsey did fill in the middle when she went to bed!