Friday, November 30, 2007

Nananda is in the house!

My oldest daughter, Amanda (A.K.A. Nananda) popped in today to see us. What a nice surprise. Here's some pics from our visit!



Also, here is a pic of me and Bubs (my little brother) from Thanksgiving

Thursday, November 29, 2007

72 Ounces of Chocolate Chips...worth repeating 72 OUNCES!

'Tis the season!! Can you believe it? Christmas time already! All I can tell you is that I am so excited! I love this time of year. Today I had the privilege of going to Sam's club for my monthly grocery stop. I was able to stay with the list, until I rounded the corner and what to my wondering eyes did appear!!! 72 glorious ounces of Nestle's Toll House chocolate chips. And Yes, I put them in my cart as fast as I could and I skipped down the aisle! It is officially, "the most wonderful time of the year!"

Seriously, before you think I have totally lost my mind, I will tell you that I am excited about the season for more reasons than 4 pounds of chocolate chips. Don't get me wrong, I, like most of you, do not like what this time of year has become. But I do LOVE what it is about. It is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus. My Jesus! Your Jesus. Our Savior. What a great time to be joyful and share His love for the world. As we go out and about this time of year it is easy to lose our focus. It is easy to get "scrooge-y" as we stand in long lines. But Christmas is a time for us to embrace our faith. Faith that a baby was born to a virgin in a manger. This baby was born, to die. Die for us. For our sins. With that in the forefront of our minds, what a great opportunity we have before us this season. We can share the gospel to our cashier, give the sales clerk a tract, encourage a single mom with an anonymous gift, talk to the Salvation Army Bell ringers, bake a batch of cookies (I have some chips you can borrow) for your lost neighbors. Take your family out Christmas Caroling to a nursing home, volunteer at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen, write a letter to a missionary and tell them "Thank You" for sacrificing their life to serve The Lord. Host a Happy Birthday Jesus Party for the neighborhood kids (thanks Neener from CBS for this great idea!!) The opportunities are endless.

The important thing this time of year is to just shine for Jesus! And sure, we should do this all year long...but why not start now!

Monday, November 26, 2007

'Tis the Season......for change

There is a time for everything,and a season for every activity under heaven: 2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. Ecc 3:1-4


Wow, so maybe I have been M.I.A. in Blogville for a month or so. I have thought of posting, but just didn't have any words (imagine me w/o words! ha ha). However, today I am ready! With my faithful Mr. Coffee mug beside me, Christmas Tree glowing and KLOVE (Christian radio) playing in the background...I am ready! WARNING: Beware, this could be long.

The past month has been certainly a time for reflection. And a time for change. Some change is good, sometimes it is bad...sometimes it is very sad. The past month we have relfected on change as we learn of family members (nieces and nephews) getting married. One moving far away, while another will be moving closer. We have sat with friends as they have shed tears of pain due to unwanted, unexpected change that came their way. Friends have resigned from the ministry after years of service, babies were born and the list could go on and on. I won't bore you with the details but there are a few that are on my heart today that I want to share.

Our family learned last week that one of our friends and precious brothers in Christ, Danny Velasco, passed away. We had the privilege of getting to know him this past year and even had the honor of having him down to VA to speak at our church in January. Please pray for Danny's family and for his spiritual family at Brooklyn Tabernacle as they deal with their loss. We can rejoice to know he is with Jesus. If you have not heard Danny's testimony...you MUST! It is powerful stuff! Check out his ministry website, you will be blessed. www.dannyvelasco.org




Earlier this month, I was saddened with the loss my precious little buddy, Chester, (10 year old Yorkie). Some may think I am being "silly" but I loved this little pup very much!! I sure do miss him but at the same time I am thankful for the 10 years that he made me laugh and was a great companion!



It's a girl!!! I am happy to add we have a small blessing in the Burton household. Little Miss Tilli Mae. She's only 4 pounds and is pretty much full grown. Tillie is Jordyn's 8 month old Yorkie puppy. We got her in July and she has made the lost of Chester much easier for me. (Thanks Jordy for sharing her with me!)



Jordyn turned 15 last week! Wow! How time flies. Enough said about her birthday...it makes me feel old and sad! ha ha One thing that Jordyn wanted for her birthday was tickets to see her favorite Christian group, Leeland. Lee who?? I know. I was the same way prior to the concert. Honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect. I must say, I was totally blown away at this group. What an incredible group of young men. They totally blessed the socks off of me and Jim. Dynamic lyrics (no compromise) and what a precious spirit they all had. The Lead singer (Leeland) is only 19 and what an incredible songwriter/singer. In my opinion, we need more solid Christian bands like this for our Youth to listen too. Their CD has made a permanent home in our Honda. And BTW, let's pray for this group....they are sold out for Jesus. Not only are they singing non-compromising songs of Jesus they are presenting the Gospel to countless youth (and adults) at their concerts. Talk about an instant target for the enemy.

Be sure to check out some of their tunes at www.leelandonline.com

Jordyn was thrilled to get a picture with Leeland (below). (Once again, this shows the hearts of these young men...they took time to actually pose for a picture with a fan!!! That is unheard of, even with our christian groups, these days!!!)



As I reflect back on the past few weeks...change is inevitable. One thing that never changes is The Lord. There is not even a shadow of change in Him.

It makes me think of Daniel's prayer :
"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.

21 He changes times and seasons;
he sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.

22 He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.

23 I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers:
You have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you,
you have made known to us the dream of the king."

I realize I have SO much to be thankful for. My cup runneth over...so much so that my saucer is full too! The Lord is so faithful to us! May we never forget that...in the good the bad...He NEVER changes!

Nothing can separate us from His love. Praise you Jesus!!!

Well, Enough for my November Novel.

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